The hockey helmet is a requirement at all levels of the sport. It became mandatory at the professional level after the 1968 death of former Minnesota North Star Bill Masterton, who lost his life when the back of his head hit the ice after absorbing a check from two opponents at the same time. The helmet has undergone many changes and improvements over the years and it has to be worn properly for it to have maximum effectiveness.
Proper Fit
The hockey helmet should fit snugly for it to do its primary job and protect the hockey player's head. If the helmet is too loose, it will rattle around as the player skates and it won't help much after a significant fall. If it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable to wear while playing. It should fit snugly over the top of the head and the chin strap should be buckled in order to keep it in place.
Face Masks
Players at all levels of the game beneath professional hockey wear helmets that have face masks welded to the top of the helmet. The face mask protects the player from errant pucks and sticks and allows the player to skate without fear. The face mask may obscure the vision for some players who are not used to wearing them, but they provide maximum protection.
Protective Visors
At the professional level, few players wear masks unless they are recovering from a facial injury but may wear plastic visors that protect eyes from the puck or the stick. These visors usually keep eye injuries to a minimum because the visor acts as a shield. However, there have been some occasions where an opponent inadvertently lifts his stick blade and it gets under the visor and causes damage.
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