NHL Insider claims NHL could implement rule mandating piece of new safety equipment
It's no secret that the National Hockey League has a streaky record when it comes to player safety, but to their credit, in recent memory, they have at least implemented things that in theory are supposed to make the game safer; however this time if what Jeff Marek speculates is true than Players, Coaches, Executives and fans may have something to say.
Marek was recently quoted as saying that he believes the NHL could enforce full face shields in the attempt to lower facial injuries.
If you've followed any level of hockey you'll know that full face shields have become the norm in most leagues from Tier 2 JR A down, the news about the possibility of implementing face shields at the NHL level isn't surprising however one has to believe it may be difficult to implement.
Many years ago the league started to require new players coming into the league to wear visors while current players were grandfathered to the old rule and allowed them to wear them if they did choose. Could this situation be similar? A situation where some where a full shield while others wear a visor doesn't seem likely or all that safe. It would appear it should be all or none.
But the implementation of a full face shield would also mark the end of fighting in the NHL as well, something the league has been attempting to remove for years.
| POLL | ||
Do you want the NHL to implement mandatory full shields? | ||
| Yes, it's much safe | 38 | 6 % |
| No, stop changing the game | 316 | 49.8 % |
| Let the players choose | 281 | 44.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
