subject: Ice Hockey Helmets: Here Is What You Need To Know [print this page] The subject of ice hockey helmets can become an emotional debate with many individuals in the hockey community. There are some who think the helmet has led to more injuries in professional hockey, due to the fact players are no longer as cautious with their sticks. The majority of people nevertheless think that ice hockey helmets really are a necessary piece of equipment to ensure the safety of hockey players, young and old. This article will investigate the various styles of ice hockey helmets.
Ice Hockey Helmets Version Number One: Helmet Only
Ice hockey helmets were actually a rarity in the NHL prior to the early seventies. It had been in 1968 that the player named Bill Masterton died from traumas suffered while playing for the Minnesota North Stars. He was rushed to the hospital with blood gushing through his face and ears, and finally was pronounced dead from a substantial brain injury. In standard NHL style, it took them 11 additional years before they mandated using helmets. Luckily, by that point almost all players were voluntarily wearing them. These days participants at every level need some sort of extra protection over and above the helmet itself.
The cage provides by far the best defense against flying pucks and careless sticks. Every youth hockey system, as far as I know, requires the use of these cages for every participant. Even players at the college level have to wear some sort of protection, and most of them wear a cage. It was not too long ago, when high school hockey players were already using dentures. On my particular hockey team in the seventies, almost half of the players had found themselves spitting out teeth at some time or another during a game.
Ice Hockey Helmets Version Number Three: Helmet With Visor
The visor really comes in two basic styles: half shield and full shield. They're both coupled to the front of the helmet in order to deflect pucks and sticks (and what ever else) from hitting the players face. A full shield offers the most protection, and therefore are almost as effective as cages. Half Shields, alternatively, only safeguard the upper half of the face area. They offer virtually no protection for the mouth, and only marginal protection for the eyes. You'll find reports of participants sporting half shields that suffer injuries from sticks that plunge up between the guard and their face. Having said that, half shields remain better than nothing. The NHL is clearly advising their players to wear one, 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 different ice hockey helmets, as discussed here. In the end, participants are larger and faster, and could shoot harder than in the past. You would be insane to play the game of hockey with out wearing one of the various ice hockey helmets.
