I have played hockey for many years and know quite a few people who have done the same. I can't think of anyone with a long term injury.

I suppose it is reflected in 'old timer beer leagues'. There are a few 50 year old guys on my team right now, and they can play fine they are just slower. Sames holds for baseball.

Even though football isn't that popular here - most of the guys I know that did play with hopes of making it big in the US college system ended up injured.