Parents of players in the Bow Valley Hockey Society (BVHS) received an email warning about the use of smelling salts by athletes. It comes as Hockey Calgary acknowledges there was an incident with BVHS. 

“Effective immediately, coaches will be held responsible for ensuring that smelling salts are not brought into the locker room, onto the bench, or used by any players under their supervision,” an email sent to parents from the minor hockey association said. 

In the email obtained by CBC News, BVHS said it is aware athletes may have been bringing smelling salts from home or getting them from older siblings.

The association says the products are not permitted and asked parents to speak directly with their children about their use. 

Hockey Calgary executive director Kevin Kobelka did not elaborate on the incident, but said in an email it was an “isolated case” that was dealt with by the association. CBC News has not confirmed details of the incident, including the ages of the players involved.

Smelling salts, or ammonia inhalants, are used by some athletes for a temporary jolt to boost performance.

“It activates sensory nerves in the respiratory tract and initiates a fairly vigorous what we call a sympathetic nervous system, or fight or flight response,” said Dr. Trevor Cottrell, a kinesiology professor and former president of the Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association.

But he says that adrenal response is fairly short-lived and has not been proven to improve performance. 

There are also health risks associated with their use. Hockey Nova Scotia’s website lists repercussions, including coughing and airway constriction, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and other potential respiratory issues.

“We believe they pose unnecessary health risks, and send the wrong message to young athletes about safe and responsible preparation for sport,” said the BVHS email to parents. 

Cottrell says the use of smelling salts has become increasingly popular among athletes in sports like football, hockey and weightlifting. NHL players can sometimes be seen using them on the sidelines of games.

“So, it’s just one of those things of copying the big dogs and what they’re seeing online and thinking it’s kind of fun to do it or cool,” said Cottrell.

In 2025, Hockey Québec announced it would ban the use of smelling salts by players.

Hockey Alberta says it does not currently police the use of smelling salts, but it is something it’s examining.

“As a member branch, we would look for guidance and work with Hockey Canada on any policies or regulations,” Alyson Chambers, senior marketing manager with Hockey Alberta said in an emailed statement. “Player safety remains a top priority. Our Player Safety Committee is currently looking at smelling salts.”

In August 2025, the NFL prohibited teams from providing players with smelling salts during games. The league warned the products could mask the signs of a concussion. 

BVHS is open to players living in the communities of Auburn Bay, Cranston, Mahogany, McKenzie Lake, Rangeview or Seton, according to its website.