Rule 9.7 – Visors: Beginning with the 2013-14 season, all players who have fewer than 25 games of NHL experience must wear a visor properly affixed to their helmet. Visors are to be affixed to the helmets in such a fashion as to ensure adequate eye protection.
Why do some hockey players not wear visors?
Each year since 2013, players without visors have retired or decided to start wearing one for their safety benefits. Some of these veterans who still go without a visor include recognizable stars such as Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, Ryan Getzlaf, and Ryan O’Reilly.
How many NHL players don’t wear visors?
After the NHL decided to grandfather in visors starting in 2013, which means any new players to the NHL has to wear a visor. Last year, the National Post reported that only 9.2 percent of NHL players still played visor-free in the NHL.
Do hockey players wear face shields?
Visors cover the upper half of the face, while full face shields cover the entire face. A series of eye injuries, most notably that to Greg Neeld (the first player to wear a visor in professional hockey) and Bryan Berard have led to a call from many to enforce their wearing. As of 2017, 94% of NHL players wear visors.
When did the NHL require face shields?
The NHL has been active in making efforts to reduce the number of player injuries, and, in response to growing concern, the league implemented a mandatory visor policy in 2013.
Can you wear a full mask in the NHL?
While the NHL mandates just half-face coverage with the use of a visor, most amateur and school leagues across the world insist that players wear full facial protection. Some leagues force players to wear wire cages while other leagues allow players to choose a cage, a full visor or a hybrid-style protector.
How old do you have to be to wear a visor?
The players allowed to wear visors are all 18 or older, and when you turn 18 you receive that same option. Next, you land a scholarship and play Division I NCAA hockey. Suddenly, you’re right back to wearing a full cage. After three years of visors, you’re once again wearing a cage, and all your opponents are too.
Why does Ovechkin wear a tinted visor?
According to Fleury, Ovechkin wears a tinted visor and yellow skate laces because of the Flames’ old number 14. The Washington Capitals captain proceeded to ask for an autographed stick, Fleury says, which clearly flattered the 51-year-old. See also: 5 Calgary Flames players that could hit key milestones this season.
Do NHL refs have to wear visors?
The American League and all of Canada’s junior leagues had already adopted mandatory visors for their officials, so any new refs to the NHL would be familiar with the equipment. … Any official who started after 2006 now wears a visor, but any official who was in the NHL before then has the right to choose.
Are mouthguards mandatory in the NHL?
Today, mouthguards are commonly used by hockey players of all ages and skill levels. Often they are a required piece of equipment, but when they are not most players still wear one. 90% of National Hockey League (NHL) players, for example, choose to use mouthguards even though the NHL doesn’t mandate them.
Why do hockey players not wear mouthguards?
If a player chooses to wear a mouth guard, he may help his chances of not having a concussion. His pearly whites, though, are still at risk from a puck, a stick, the ice or a check into the boards. … “They’re not designed to keep the teeth in the mouth.”
Why does Komarov wear cage?
The 5-11, 209-pound Komarov was never a flashy player, and that birdcage mask he’s wearing to protect his face makes him look even less sleek. But he has been an important penalty killer and has added a physical presence since entering the lineup.
Did the NHL ban fighting?
In the current NHL rulebook, the archaic reference to “fisticuffs” has been removed; fighting is now governed under Rule 46 in the NHL rulebook.
Can NHL players wear tinted visors?
In a 2010 NHL/IIHF Rules Comparison document, tinted visors are said to be not permitted in the IIHF. But in the NHL, there is “no such provision.” Visors, in general, did however get grandfathered in and made mandatory during the 2013-14 season for all players “who have fewer than 25 games of NHL experience.”
Who was the last NHL player not to wear a helmet?
MacTavish missed the 1984–85 season after being convicted of vehicular homicide. He was the last NHL player not to wear a helmet during games.
…
| Craig MacTavish | |
|---|---|
| NHL Draft | 153rd overall, 1978 Boston Bruins |
| Playing career | 1979–1997 |
Who was the last goalie to not wear a mask?
The last goaltender to play without a mask was Andy Brown, who played his last NHL game in 1974. He later moved to the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association and played without a mask until his retirement in 1977.