The Necessity of Ice Hockey Helmets

The subject of ice hockey helmets can become an emotional debate with many people in the hockey community. There are some who think of that the helmet has led to more injuries in professional hockey, because players are no longer as careful with their sticks. Most people however think that ice hockey helmets are a necessary piece of equipment to ensure the safety of Hockey Players, young and old. This article will explore the various designs of ice hockey helmets.

Ice Hockey Helmets Version Number One: Helmet Only

Ice hockey helmets were actually a rarity in the NHL until the early 70s. It was in 1968 that a player named Bill Masterton died from injuries sustained while playing for the Minnesota North Stars. He was rushed to the hospital with blood gushing from his nose and ears, and eventually was pronounced dead of a massive brain injury. In typical NHL style, it took them 11 more years before they mandated the use of helmets. Fortunately, by that time nearly all players were voluntarily wearing them. Nowadays players at every level have to have some sort of extra protection over and above the helmet itself.

Ice Hockey Helmets Version Number Two: Helmet with Cage

The cage offers by far the best protection against flying pucks and wayward sticks. Every Youth Hockey program, as far as I know, mandates the use of these cages for every player. Even players at the college level are required to wear some sort of protection, and most of them wear a cage. It wasn’t too long ago, when high school hockey players were already wearing dentures. On my particular hockey team in the 1970s, nearly half of the players had found themselves spitting out teeth at some point or another during a game.

Ice Hockey Helmets Version Number Three: Helmet With Visor

The visor actually comes in two basic styles: half shield and full shield. They are both attached to the front of the helmet in order to deflect pucks and sticks (and whatever else) from hitting the players face. A full shield offers the most protection, and are almost as effective as cages. Half Shields, on the other and, only protect the upper half of the face. They provide absolutely no protection for the mouth, and only marginal production for the eyes. There are reports of players wearing half Shields that suffer by injuries from sticks that plunge up between the guard and their face. Having said that, half shields are still better than nothing. The NHL is strongly advising their players to wear one, and many are now doing so.

Conclusion:

If you or one of your loved ones plays the game of hockey, then you should consider wearing one of the various ice hockey helmets, as discussed here. After all, players are bigger and faster, and may shoot harder than ever before. You would be crazy to play the game of hockey without wearing one of the various ice hockey helmets.

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