A hockey mask is a protective face shield worn by ice hockey players that protects their eyes, nose, and head. It also enables them to see the puck better and helps prevent injury. They are used by most North American professional hockey teams, although many junior and youth players choose to wear helmets without a face mask.
History of the Hockey Mask
In 1959, Jacques Plante became the first goalie to wear a practical hockey mask in an NHL game. It was made of fiberglass and was designed to fit snugly over his face, providing excellent protection against shots that could penetrate his mouth or eye area. This was the beginning of the modern goalie mask.
During the first half of the 20th century, many hockey players in North America did not use masks, as they did not think they were necessary. However, with the advent of curved sticks and the introduction of a butterfly style goalie stick in the 1920s, they were necessary for players to get the full benefits of speed and lift.
Today, the most common type of hockey mask is a combination mask. This includes a wire cage affixed to a composite shell (typically made of fiberglass, carbon fiber and kevlar) that hugs the forehead and chin. This design is strong, lightweight and offers dispersing impact zones to protect the goalie from stingers or other types of high-impact hits.
Another popular option is a single-piece mask that incorporates a birdcage facial protector into the main shell of the helmet. This style of mask was popularized in the 1972 Summit Series by Russian goaltender Vladislav Tretiak, who used it until he retired in 2008.
Other options include a full-face mask and visor combo that provides complete facial coverage. Some models provide ventilation ports to prevent fogging during play.
Some masks also come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles to suit any player’s needs. Regardless of the type of mask you select, it should be comfortable and easy to move in.
The design of a hockey mask should also be able to allow for clear communication between the player and his teammates. It should be light enough so that it is easy to move around in and it should be durable so it can stand up to repeated impacts from slapshots.
Goaltenders often express themselves through their mask designs, using themes that represent their team, hobbies, family members or other personal interests. Whether it’s a snarling dog on Curtis Joseph’s “Cujo” mask, an eagle on Ed Belfour’s Xmas mask, or a cat on Felix Potvin’s “Potty” mask, each goaltender’s helmet is unique and speaks to their personality as a person.
The NHL recently increased the testing of hockey masks to ensure they are safe for goalies to use. It requires that each mask undergo a test to determine its strength, elasticity and durability. Moreover, it also allows scientists to study how the mask performs in different situations. This is especially important because hockey players are often injured on the ice and may be at risk of sustaining a concussion or undergoing other brain injuries.