Helmets are a required piece of equipment in the sport of ice hockey at all levels of play. Helmets were required by the National Hockey League following the death of player Bill Masterton in a 1968 NHL game. Helmets provide a level of cushioning over the head and a hard plastic shell. Youth leagues require full cages on the front of the helmets while players can also have helmets with visors.
Helmet With Plastic Visor
This type of helmet covers the head with a hard plastic shell and includes 5/8-inch foam padding to protect the head in case of a collision or a fall to the ice. The helmet also has a plastic visor attached to the helmet. This visor protects the face from most errant pucks or sticks. However, a player who is right next to an opponent or a teammate with a visor may inadvertently pick his stick straight up and get inside the visor. This is rare but it will happen on occasion. Plastic visors tend to fog up, but the shields are being coated with a no-fog material.
Helmet With Cage
This type of helmet provides the most protection. It is required at all levels of junior hockey and it is also a requirement at the U.S. college level. A cage will not allow a puck or a stick to get through and cause injury. The helmet is a hard plastic material called polycarbonate and it will obviously not fog up.
Helmet With Chin Strap
Professional hockey players are required to wear helmets. Those helmets will not provide the sufficient protection unless the player buckles the chin strap. Players can find the chin strap to be annoying or uncomfortable, but they have to keep them buckled in the event of a fall to the ice or a stick to the head. Players who wear helmets but fail to keep them buckled are at risk to suffering a serious injury.
Combination Mask
The combination mask is one of the later changes in helmet construction. It has a shield that attaches to the front of the helmet and extends from the forehead to the nose area. A wire cage is attached to the bottom of the Plexiglas. This prevents any stick blade from sneaking up the bottom of the mask and allows the player to have a clear vision without any metal bars impacting his vision.
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