The hockey face mask is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s a silent guardian that defends players against high-velocity shots and unexpected sticks. As such, it’s a piece of equipment that should be treated with the highest of standards. This field hockey mask from FORCE is built with a clear transparent shield and robust construction, providing players with unparalleled protection as they dance through the dynamic arena of the sport.
The first practical mask was designed by Jacques Plante, a goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, in 1959. Plante suffered a cut to the face from blocking a slapshot by New York Rangers goalie Andy Bathgate and refused to return to the game until he was given a mask. Since then, specialized masks have made the game safer for both players and goalies.
Despite the increased safety of masks, the majority of injuries in ice hockey still occur to the face and head. Some of these are severe, resulting in fractured bones and concussions. Other injuries, including cuts to the chin and mouth from sticks and pucks, are much more common. Fortunately, these types of injuries are almost entirely preventable. A hockey mask protects players from cuts to the face and chin (Photo Credit: NHL)
Though mandatory helmets and face masks have decreased the number of eye, facial, and dental injuries in ice hockey, neck and spinal injuries are on the rise. Researchers believe this is due to a false sense of security that has been created amongst young hockey players, who think they are immune to injury and are therefore willing to take more risks on the ice. This is also exacerbated by the fact that many players have access to a variety of protective gear—including padded pants, wristguards, and neck guards—while they play, meaning their risk is spread out across multiple pieces of equipment.
According to the researchers, the most effective way to reduce neck and spinal injuries in ice hockey is to reduce the amount of time that players spend skating with their heads down. They recommend that all players wear a face mask or visor when they skate, and that coaches should reinforce the importance of keeping a player’s head up while skating.
Despite concerns about the safety of a full face mask, it remains popular at the collegiate level. The ice hockey program is one of the top 3 revenue streams in NCAA men’s athletics, and it is financially advantageous for schools to keep their students safe.
However, a switch to half shields is being considered by some collegiate coaches. The main concern is that a change will allow the goalies to take more direct contact shots to the face, leading to an increase in visceral injuries like broken teeth and cracked skulls. This could result in a higher incidence of injury and even potentially end the careers of some players. The research is ongoing, and while a switch to a half mask may be inevitable at the professional level, there are some important questions that need to be answered before a collegiate league decides whether or not to adopt this protection.