Jan 29, 2015

Unmasking a Problem

A proposal to have college players switch from wearing full masks to half-shield visors garnered overwhelming support at the annual convention of the American Hockey Coaches Association. The idea is slated to go before the the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports Subcommittee and then be presented to the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee, which meets June 6-8 in Indianapolis.
The argument for the reduction in facial coverage revolves around the idea that certain types of equipment can provide athletes with a false sense of invincibility.

“It definitely has the support of the coaches,” Northeastern University Head Coach Jim Madigan told the Boston Herald. “Now, it has to go before the medical people and through all the other committees. It’s a gradual process.”

Niagara University Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin, Chairman of the Ice Hockey Rules Committee, said the medical aspect subcommittee is made up of at least two athletic trainers and one hockey team doctor.

“We need their blessing. I think we’ll get their support,”McLaughlin told the Herald. “Our contention is we’re trying to change the style of play as much as the safety aspect of it.”

University of Maine coach Tim Whitehead, a member of the of the Ice Hockey Rules Committee, is in favor of the change. He argues that half shields allow players to have better peripheral vision, which could reduce the number of concussions by opening up their peripheral vision.

“They won’t be losing the puck in their skates and looking down for it as much,” Whitehead told the Bangor Daily News.

“They won’t be diving to block as many shots,” added Whitehead. “It should promote skill and scoring and the eyes will still be protected which is why they went to the full facemasks in the first place.”