Face Masks Get Made Mandatory in Major Hockey League
Safety takes the forefront in Canadian Junior A hockey with a pivotal change in play.
New Face Shield Mandate
A significant shift sees incoming players in the league now required to wear face shields. Cam McKenzie of the Maritime Junior Hockey League's Pictou County Crushers confirms the change, impacting primarily 16 and 17-year-old rookies. Existing Junior A players maintain an exemption, retaining the choice to don half face visors.
"Player safety is the ultimate goal with this. We have seen it implemented at the Junior B and C levels... hoping that it does the same in Junior A."- Mike Field, Executive Director, Hockey Nova Scotia
Transition and Considerations
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While the change aims to reduce facial and eye injuries, Yarmouth Mariners' Head Coach Laurie Barron raises concerns. He envisions potential collisions between players with full face masks and those wearing half shields. Mike Field acknowledges the importance of a smooth adjustment, emphasizing officials' role.
Mariners' Impact
The ongoing Yarmouth Mariners' tryouts anticipate a notable group of first-year junior players embracing full face masks. This rule alteration signifies a commitment to safer play, with all Junior A players expected to comply by 2025, ensuring player well-being takes precedence.
As seen on CTVNEWS
| POLL | ||
2 SEPTEMBRE | 39 ANSWERS Face Masks Get Made Mandatory in Major Hockey League Should NHL players be required to wear face masks? | ||
| Yes | 10 | 25.6 % |
| No | 29 | 74.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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