Players can not be over protected. Young men 16 to 20 years old do not need to go through life with scars on their faces or the recurring effects of head and neck injuries.
Since 2005, Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League players have been allowed the option of wearing half-visors instead of a full visor or cage covering the entire face. Its an option the players have, after all it is their face they are protecting.
It’s noteworthy that in 54 Greater Ontario Junior Hockey playoff games through Thursday night there had been just six fights. There had also been 27 head contact penalties (including six majors) and 23 checking from behind penalties. While those numbers closely resemble numbers for the regular season, it is also easy to see that at least once per game there is a penalty that has the potential to seriously and possibly do permanent injury to a player.
Contact with the head has been a point of emphasis with officials over the last few years, which is one reason there may be more of those penalties. But eight months into the season shouldn’t players haven’t gotten the message?
Is this a serious review of facial protection for the players or just a public relations move by the league to make it appear they want to protect the players?
According to the Ontario Hockey Association, this is a serious review that they began before the GOJHL submitted a request for review of this rule.
The acceptance of the rule to allow half shields is one that was done without a face to face meeting or extended discussion. In 2005 the vote to allow the half shield option was done via an email vote.
Not accounted for in that vote by not having conversation and debate was any consideration for the evolution of other player protective equipment. Shoulder pads and elbow pads are much harder and lighter in weight than in years past. While helmets are lighter and some say more protective, some are also questioning if proper studies have been done to see if the developing equipment is tested well enough and comparer against one another.
While the debate is clearly going to continue, many believe this is the last season the GOJHL will be allowing half shields. One would also have to believe that this potential move may effect all of junior hockey at some point.
Kevin Kelly
