Women's hockey contains many differences from the men's game, including the type of equipment used. At the Olympic Games, all women competing in ice hockey must follow these equipment rules during the tournament. The face shield rule remains the most visible of these differences, due to the fact that these shields cover the player's entire face.
Women's Rule
International Ice Hockey Federation rules state that every woman competing in Olympic hockey must wear a full face shield. Since players wear these shields throughout their careers, they do not provide many vision problems and the players can wear them comfortably. Players must attach this face shield to an approved helmet and team officials must ensure that every player meets these regulations. Players must wear a face mask that will prevent a stick or puck from getting through and striking the face, which makes this safety rule effective.
Additional Regulations
While players can use any type of approved face shield, they cannot wear a colored or tinted shield. Most players choose to wear a cage-style face shield because it does not fog up on the ice the way that a full shield visor does.
History
Although women's hockey joined the Olympics in 1998, it features a rich history in Canada. The first documented hockey mask worn during an ice hockey game occurred during a women's match in 1927 when Elizabeth Graham wore a fencing mask to protect her face when playing for Queen's University. Graham played goalie, but this occurred at a time when no players wore face protection.
Issues
Some feel as though the face shields worn in women's hockey take away from the entertainment value of the game by making it appear more like a minor hockey game. In addition, not having the ability to see the player's faces can make it more difficult to recognize players. Former Olympic hockey player Cassie Campbell-Pascall disagrees, however, stating face shields remain a non-issue for female hockey players and the fans.
Men's Rule
The men's rule regarding face protection in the Olympics remains much different and much more complicated. All male players younger than the age of 18 must wear a full face shield at the Olympics using the exact same rules as female players. All players older than the age of 18 must wear a visor, except for those born on or before Dec. 31, 1974. These players have the option of wearing zero facial protection, although visors remain highly recommended.
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