Like goalie masks, there was a time when hockey players did not wear helmets. They skated around the ice with smug impunity, daring fate to intervene and send them to the hospital with a significant head injury. Helmets were viewed as protection for players who simply weren't tough enough for the game. There were always voices clamoring for additional protection, but they were largely ignored until January, 1968, when Bill Masterton, a forward for the Minnesota North Stars, died from injuries suffered in a game after falling heavily on the back of his head in a game against the Oakland Seals. Shortly after that tragedy, NHL players began to use helmets with greater frequency and they became mandated at all other levels of the game. Helmets eventually became mandatory, although a grandfather clause allowed players who signed their first contract prior to the 1979 season to make helmets optional. The last skater to play regularly without a helmet was Craig MacTavish, who finished his 18-year career with the St. Louis Blues in 1997 and went on to coach the Edmonton Oilers.
What to Look for
The most important thing in purchasing a helmet is finding one that is the correct size. A helmet should feel somewhat snug, without feeling too tight or too loose. This is generally not difficult to achieve, because there is a screw in the helmet that allows the user to adjust its size. This is especially important when purchasing a helmet for a young hockey player. As the child grows and the head gets bigger, a couple of easy adjustments can be made so the helmet remains viable even after years of use. The helmet is usually secured to the head with a chin strap. If that strap is too loose, it may not protect the head adequately. If it is too tight, a hard fall can result in a significant cut to the chin.
Common Pitfalls
The padded hockey helmet is a relatively simple device that protects the most vulnerable part of the body. There is no reason to look for helmets that are superexpensive. One that costs $60 to $90 protects as much as those that are $100 or more. There is quite a bit of wear and tear placed on the helmet, so padding and interior devices may have to be replaced with some regularity. As a result, it is important to inspect the helmet for deficiencies and flaws and make those replacements. The shell of the helmet is made of hard plastic and it is designed to displace the force of any major blow to the head. If that shell is cracked, the helmet loses some of its ability to protect the player.
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