The ballet starts before each NHL game, once the last anthem notes trail off and the house lights turn on. Watch next time. The choreography is easy to learn.
On the bench, trainers and equipment managers pass out packets no bigger than Tootsie Rolls, tossing others to players out of reach. The players then squeeze the packet, which is sheathed in cotton for protection, and crack the glass vial inside. In case they need help, two arrows on the label point to a dot in the middle. “CRUSH ONCE, USE AND DISCARD,” it says, then below that, “CRUSH HERE.”
Waving the broken capsule under their noses, back and forth to spread the smell, they begin to wiggle and shake, like dogs after a bath. Their noses wrinkle and their nostrils flare. Some hop in place. Others merely wince and squeeze their eyes shut. “There’s probably some pretty good photography that goes along with that,” says Devils forward Kyle Palmieri. He issurelynot wrong.
The scientific explanation for this strange ritual that has spread across hockey, from juniors up to the NHL, goes like this: The vial is filled with 0.3 milliliters of red liquid—35% alcohol, 15% ammonia and 50% ingredients that are not listed on the label. When the glass breaks, ammonia gas spews into the packaging, creating a pungent smell. The unofficial explanation is simpler: The players are inhaling smelling salts, which, as Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon puts it, “absolutely reek.”
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Describing the sensation doesn’t get more nuanced than this. Wild forward Ryan Carter: “All I know, if needles had a smell, that’s what they’d smell like.”
Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk: “You’re like … cringing.”
Says Palmieri: “They smell like s---.”
Again, Palmieri is not wrong. Take it from first-hand experience, courtesy of an extra capsule provided by an NHL trainer after a recent game: Those little things burn, singe, shock, irritate and generally wallop the nostrils. It would not be unreasonable to question the sanity of someone who huffs them every few nights.
And yet they are everywhere, integral parts to the pregame routine right alongside wiping off visors and spraying down mouth guards. Consider smelling salts—which contain no salt or sodium—an aromatic alarm clock before the puck drops. “I love them,” Palmieri says. “It doesn’t give you any kind of energy, it just wakes you up. It’s almost like a cerebral way of saying, ‘Hey, it’s game time now. It’s time to get going.’”
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Long before trainers were ordering packages in bulk by the hundreds and former Bruins assistant Geoff Ward was chucking Tyler Seguin’s used sniffer into a fan’s beer, early references date to the works of Pliny, the Roman author, according to a 2006 article in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Among the sprawling list of chemicals that Chaucer'salchemizing master Yeoman purports to use issal armonyak—ammonium chloride, the active ingredient in smelling salts. In Hard Times, Dickens sends Mr. Bounderby to the chemist, where he buys smelling salts as precaution before breaking the news that he’s engaged to be married. (The news wasn’t that big of a deal; no one fainted and the vial stayed corked.)
Years later, as they became standard for medical kits at hockey rinks and boxing rings, smelling salts were still associated with reviving the unconscious. In the current class-action lawsuit against the NHL, sections for at least nine individual ex-players invoke them to indicate improper treatment for head injuries. After an elbow once struck Craig Muni’s jaw in Vancouver, the defenseman started seeing stars, feeling off-balance and experiencing “a queasy stomach.” A few minutes later, after whiffing some sniffers, Muni returned to the ice. When Dennis Maruk blacked out from crashing headfirst into the boards with Washington, he “was given smelling salts, asked by a trainer how many fingers the trainer was holding up, and what his name was.”
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“We only used it when we were knocked out,” says Florida GM Dale Tallon, a former defenseman. “That was our protocol.”
In today's world, of course, handling potential concussions with smelling salts would constitute gross malpractice. “If they have a head injury, the last thing you want is to be jerking their heads back,” said one Western Conference trainer. “That’s archaic.” But these are habits born long ago, hard to shake for more benign purposes. Wayne Gretzky used them for boosts during his playing days, then later while helming the Arizona Coyotes. Faulk estimated he started around age 16. Calgary forward Josh Jooris tried them once, had a good shift and made them part of his routine.
“Just gets me in that fired-up mode like I was playing,” explains Wild coach John Torchetti, who spent three seasons in the ECHL.
In mid-February, when Torchetti debuted behind Minnesota's bench, up from the minors after Mike Yeo was fired, cameras caught him catching a few whiffs while his players did the same in front of him. “For me, it’s like an awareness wakeup,” he said days later before his second game. “It’s almost like I build a rep into it, meaning I do it because it fires me up before the game, reminds me let’s be sharp and let’s be going. I don't know if it’s good for me to be doing it. I guess I’ll have to change and do it before the game so I’m not on TV.”
Even before Torchetti called his first line change, though, the burning had subsided. In fact, any initial energy can wear off by the time starters skate from the bench to the center dot. “It’s just sniff it, get up and you want to get out there and hit somebody,” Wild defenseman Nate Prosser says. “Then it’s gone within a few seconds, probably.”
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So, at most, it provides a temporary boost and perhaps a slightly longer placebo effect, depending on the individual. Coyotes veteran Shane Doan, who says he hasn’t used them in three years, compared the experience to a quick window wipe at the gas pump, flushing out eyes weary from the road or the rink’s fluorescent lights.
For fourth-liners like Capitals center Michael Latta, this sometimes means sniffing the salts, feeling the rush and then waiting several minutes for his first shift. “Could be just mental,” he says. “Who knows. I think a lot of guys use it. Hockey’s very superstitious in their ways. It does give you a little jolt, whether it’s just in my head.”
Given the briefness of these sniffing sessions, health risks are virtually non-existent. “No reports of adverse health problems related to the use of smelling salts in sports,” the BJSM article concluded. At least, not for the ammonia itself. One year, Palmieri either squeezed too tight or used a shoddy brand, realizing this when he looked down and saw blood. “I never realized how they worked until I cut my finger open and I asked my trainer, ‘What just happened?’” he says.
Fewer and fewer players appear to be using smelling salts lately, estimates one Eastern Conference trainer who recalls seeing a minor-leaguer cram one package into each nostril and crack them inside his nose. “My first year in the league, everyone was doing it,” the trainer says. “They were f---ing out drinking all night, so they’d have to wake up before the game.”
But as a support staffer, hired to help the product, he feeds the routine just the same. He orders shipments before each season, hands out between eight or nine per game, and discards the extras over the glass or into the television station between the benches, while the players settle into their seats and ready for work.
“It’s a weird thing,” the trainer says, “but we do weird s--- anyways.”
FAQs
Smelling Salts for Athletes
Once popular in the sport of boxing to revive fighters dazed or knocked unconscious, they've since been banned by many competitions. Today, smelling salts are still widely used in the NHL, the NFL, and powerlifting and strongman competitions.
What brand of smelling salts do NHL players use? ›
Ward Smelling Salts worked with both professional and amateur hockey teams to develop the first Smelling Salt Bottle For Cold Conditions. Unlike other smelling salts it won't lose it's potency on cold ice rinks.
What is the strongest smelling salts? ›
Description. Nose Tork is a potent and long-lasting smelling salt that comes in a bottle so it can be used over and over again.
What do smelling salts do for NHL players? ›
More recently, athletes have begun to use smelling salts with the belief that their use will keep them more alert. The use of smelling salts is particularly popular among football and hockey players who believe this reflex will counteract the effects of concussion.
Do NHL locker rooms smell? ›
Nobody wants to be the smelly kid, but in hockey, who doesn't stink? The smell of a hockey bag or locker room is as much a part of the game as sticks and pucks. Even though the odor is synonymous with the game, it's pretty tough to describe to those unfamiliar with its aromatic nuances. “It's just its own smell.
How long do the effects of sniffing salts last? ›
Smelling salts provide a powerful rush of adrenaline that allows you to push your performance to the absolute max and regain focus. The half life of adrenaline is about 2 minutes, the total effects are noticeable for about 3-4 minutes.
Will ammonia wake you up? ›
Smelling salts are used to arouse consciousness because the release of ammonia (NH3) gas that accompanies their use irritates the membranes of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers an inhalation reflex. This reflex alters the pattern of breathing, resulting in improved respiratory flow rates and possibly alertness.
What do NHL players sniff before games? ›
Whiff 'n poof: NHLers still swear by smelling salts. A vile vial of pungent chemicals, smelling salts are a pregame ritual for NHL players and coaches. The ballet starts before each NHL game, once the last anthem notes trail off and the house lights turn on.
What do NHL players drink on the bench? ›
To kick off the new partnership, BioSteel will serve as a presenting sponsor of national coverage for tonight's 2022 NHL Entry Draft across Rogers Sportsnet in Canada. Beginning in the 2022-23 NHL regular season, BioSteel products will be utilized by NHL players on each bench, penalty box and goal net.
Do smelling salts increase max? ›
You might consider it if you're attempting a one rep max, but don't make a habit of using smelling salts during your regular workouts. While they can deliver an almost instantaneous strength-performance boost, they can also reduce fine motor skills.
The ammonia gas causes irritation in your nasal passage which triggers the fight or flight response and subsequent adrenaline release. The extra adrenaline that smelling salts / ammonia inhalants provide allow us to unlock a physical performance we are capable of, but unable to tap into without it.
Can you build a tolerance to smelling salts? ›
Smelling salts are a stimulant and like any stimulant, you want to use them sparingly not only to prevent any adverse health effects, but also to ensure that you don't develop a tolerance wherein the smelling salts lose their adrenaline-inducing boost.
Should I use smelling salts before a game? ›
Athletes have learned that the jolting effect of smelling salts provides them with a burst of energy before a big game or crucial play, or when they start to get tired during the game. Athletes who are experiencing concussion symptoms may turn to smelling salts to treat them.
Why do hockey players smell ammonia? ›
Hockey players are sniffing ammonia-laced salt. The packets are known as smelling salts. They contain the active compound ammonium carbonate, a colorless-to-white crystalline solid, which helps stimulate the body's nervous system. Trainers and coaches pass out these small packets to their teams.
Why do hockey players spit out water? ›
When players spit out just water, it's because they want to hydrate their mouth without taking on excess water and weighing themselves down. Of course, players aren't always spitting out their drinks because they do need to replace the serious amount of fluid their seating out each shift – they just don't want it all!
Do NHL players shower between periods? ›
Some players will take a shower during the intermission to feel revitalized for the upcoming period. Other players choose to meditate, closing their eyes, staying silent and visualizing their success for the remainder of the game.
Do any NHL hockey players smoke? ›
Thankfully, things have changed in the NHL and a player smoking a cigarette today would be a rare sighting. Watching the pace of play in the Stanley Cup playoffs this year, it's hard to imagine a player being able to keep up while being a smoker. “There's probably still some guys who smoke today,” Nilan said.
Do NHL players tape their sticks every game? ›
From beer leagues to the NHL, taping the stick is often considered to be a holy pre-game ritual for almost every player. The tape job (or "TJ" for short) needs to be perfect, done the same way, to the same length, with the same amount of overlap, and with the perfect amount of wax, no exceptions.
What ammonia does to the brain? ›
Elevated concentrations of ammonia in the brain as a result of hyperammonemia leads to cerebral dysfunction involving a spectrum of neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms (impaired memory, shortened attention span, sleep-wake inversions, brain edema, intracranial hypertension, seizures, ataxia and coma).
Can ammonia give you brain damage? ›
If your body can't process or eliminate ammonia, it builds up in the bloodstream. High ammonia levels in the blood can lead to serious health problems, including brain damage, coma, and even death. High ammonia levels in the blood are most often caused by liver disease.
Ammonia is very toxic to the brain and new research shows why: the glial cells ability to remove potassium is perturbed.
Can you bring smelling salts on a plane? ›
Pac-Kit 9-001 Ammonia Inhalant Capsule (Box of 10)
A: Yes, absolutely they can, do not open the pouche themselves but these can be brought onto a plane as these should be run through security and accepted as carry on. Helpful?
Do NFL players do smelling salts? ›
A lot of NFL players use smelling salts to help them become more alert. Some NFL players say that they sniff smelling salts before every game to get them hyped up to play. One player that has admitted to using smelling salts before every game is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Are smelling salts allowed in NFL? ›
While boxing no longer allows the use of smelling salts, there is no such prohibition in the major American sports leagues like the NHL, NFL, and MLB, where its use has been commonplace for years.
What do NHL players eat before a game? ›
The most common main course is pasta with meat or fish. In fact, in an article about hockey player diet plans by LAKings.com staff writer Deborah Lew, 15 of the 20 NHL players she surveyed said their pre-game meal consisted of pasta plus protein (chicken, fish, or beef).
Do NHL players drink coffee before games? ›
Crosby estimated that about 50 percent of NHL players drink coffee before the puck drops. For guys like Bjugstad and Cullen, there is no better way to get up and going. Cullen, who never had a cup before, started up a few years into his career.
What does an NHL player eat? ›
A hockey player's diet should be based around lean proteins for muscle repair and recovery and appropriately timed carbohydrate for fuel. In addition, fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and dairy foods provide important vitamins and minerals, along with some healthy fats.
Why do strong men sniff smelling salts? ›
Sniffing ammonia, through a single-use ammonia capsule or smelling salts, is done right before a heavy lift to trigger the release of adrenaline, which for many lifters is reported to improve their alertness, focus, performance and potentially reduce lightheadedness and feelings of pain.
Should you put water in smelling salts? ›
No Need To Add Water.
Why do hockey players tape their sticks? ›
Adding tape improves the contact between the blade and the puck. The taped surface of the blade makes it easier to control the puck and accurately shoot a pass across the expanse of the rink to a speeding teammate.
Hang helmets, gloves and skates on an “equipment tree” or a drying rack to circulate air through the interior spaces, and do not let gear with large surface areas (such as chest protectors) remain on the floor. Dehumidifiers and fans are also helpful, as odor-causing bacteria thrives in a warm, moist environment.
How do you get rid of smelly hockey hands? ›
You can scrub for hours with soap and water and still not get the smell of your hockey gloves fully off your hands. Now there's an easy way to not only eliminate the smell, but also kill the bacteria and germs that cause it! Hockey Hands Spray uses Isopropyl alcohol and tea tree oil to do more than just mask the smell.
Why throw a fish on the ice in hockey? ›
Jerry Cusimano and brother Pete, hoping the Red Wings would sweep the Canadiens and then the finals in eight games, tossed the eight-legged sea creature to the ice to inspire good fortune. Eight legs for eight wins. And guess what? The Red Wings won in eight straight.
What does Hattie mean in hockey? ›
22 of 22. A hatty is a slang term for the phrase hat-trick, when a player scores three goals in a game, resulting in fans throwing their hats onto the ice. Natural hatty is used when a player scores three goals in one period OR when scoring three goals in a game as long as no other goals occurred in between.
What is a Dasher in hockey? ›
D. dasher. The boards, referred to when a player caroms the puck off the boards to clear the puck of their defensive zone or to execute a pass.
Are smelling salts allowed in sports? ›
It is only legal in the United States for a person to use smelling salts to help someone regain consciousness after fainting. However, some people may use smelling salts for other means, such as improving athletic performance and increasing alertness.
Are smelling salts legal in competition? ›
Smelling salts are now banned in most boxing competitions. They are also used as a form of stimulant in athletic competitions (such as powerlifting, strong man and ice hockey) to "wake up" competitors to perform better.
Can athletes use smelling salts? ›
Even though they've fallen out of common use, athletes have begun using smelling salts to bolster their athletic performance. This has earned smelling salts a questionable reputation. However, smelling salts are safe to use.
Can you use smelling salts in the NFL? ›
While boxing no longer allows the use of smelling salts, there is no such prohibition in the major American sports leagues like the NHL, NFL, and MLB, where its use has been commonplace for years.
Are smelling salts against NCAA? ›
They're affordable, and they are not banned by the major pro sports leagues, the NCAA or high school athletic associations. All of that could lead you to think that smelling salts are perfectly safe, but that's not necessarily the case.
Smelling salts are used to arouse consciousness because the release of ammonia (NH3) gas that accompanies their use irritates the membranes of the nose and lungs, and thereby triggers an inhalation reflex. This reflex alters the pattern of breathing, resulting in improved respiratory flow rates and possibly alertness.
Do smelling salts wake you up in the morning? ›
Try smelling salts
Smelling salts have been reviving people for hundreds of years, but you don't have to smell something distasteful. Put a bottle of a pleasant-smelling essential oil like orange, grapefruit, or mint next to your bed to sniff in order to shake yourself out of a groggy state.
Are smelling salts better than energy drinks? ›
Smelling salts are designed for an instant boost of alertness. “They aren't superior to energy drinks, but they kind of do a different thing,” Fryer said. “Smelling salts give you a quick boost of alertness, pretty much like a slap in the face.”
Who shouldnt use smelling salts? ›
Keeping them between 10 and 15 centimeters from your nose allows the salts to work without putting you at risk of burning your nasal passages. If you have any respiratory health issues, including asthma, it's best to stay away from smelling salts.
What do hockey players smell before a game? ›
Whiff 'n poof: NHLers still swear by smelling salts. A vile vial of pungent chemicals, smelling salts are a pregame ritual for NHL players and coaches. The ballet starts before each NHL game, once the last anthem notes trail off and the house lights turn on.
Do smelling salts make you run faster? ›
The author of the SI article, which included comments from some of the players and a coach summed it up: “So, at most, it provides a temporary boost and perhaps a slightly longer placebo effect, depending on the individual.
What smelling salts do pro athletes use? ›
Atomic Rhino Smelling Salts for Athletes 100's of Uses per Bottle Explosive Workout Sniffing Salts for Massive Energy Boost Just Add Water to Activate Pre Workout.
Why do QBS use smelling salts? ›
A lot of NFL players use smelling salts to help them become more alert. Some NFL players say that they sniff smelling salts before every game to get them hyped up to play. One player that has admitted to using smelling salts before every game is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Why do NFL players breathe oxygen? ›
Oxygen For the Recovery Process
High-level athletes also use portable oxygen after a game or training session – during their recovery process. Oxygen helps the liver break down lactic acid through cool downs, which get more oxygen into the body after intense exercise, where it can expedite the recovery process.
