Injury is described as an external force caused by falls, hits and/or other causes in which a major trauma might occur.

It’s reported that in 2016 two out of three (66%) of injuries were linked to sport and among working age adults, sports and work were related or linked to 47% of injuries.

In a recent publication in the British Journal of Sports Medicine it notes that accidents are more common to blame for amateur hockey injuries than bodychecking.

It’s a known fact that when one registers to play contact sport(s) such as rugby, football, soccer or hockey that injury is considered to be a normal part of the game.

What happens if someone get injured from an action not considered a normal part of the game, then it’s time for restitution from the person(s) responsible causing their injuries.

Now we are heading to the area that no one has yet to address – that being the safety for the Referee and Linesman working the game.

Most times the helmet chin strap is seldom securely fastened, which is never enforced.

Players in Junior B will be required to wear a full visor, with Junior A currently exempt, but the on-ice officials wear  only a half visor.

Now being realistic we all know or should understand that it would be extremely hard for the official to blow the whistle if they had a full visor, yet we talk safety.

If anyone manages to invent something that the officials could both wear for safety and blow the whistle at the same time – it’s money in the bank.

CBC reporter Karin Larsen did an article on the subject but (apparently) only spoke to one coach, Darrin Naylor, Head Coach of the Delta Ice Hawks and others on this issue and it’s clear the issue is cost and of course being “cool.”

I have been asked since this became public if it will involve an increase cost for registration for each player that signs to play in the league for the upcoming season?

The dark days of hockey have come and gone, the players are getting bigger, faster and stronger than ever and given the explosive power they are able to get behind the shots now-a-day’s, this makes sense, but not to everyone.

The six team league is history, new teams have been added to the NHL, so it’s time for everyone to get on board and “buy in” and understand this is about player safety.

Back to safety of the officials!!

Last week and as timely as it seems to be my Grandson, Bradley was officiating a game in Merritt when the puck was dumped out of the zone near the center line.

He was in the zone and turned to follow the play when at that precise moment the player at mid-ice took a slap-shot sending the puck back in the zone, which hit Bradley directly in the face.

Half visor vs full cage and again I ask how can this be solved for the officials working the game and simply put – not in the near future.

Now we turn our attention to other sports such as Figure Skating, Soccer, Rugby where the players are not required to wear a helmet, nor are the coaches.

Will this eventually filter down to other sports and if not – why not?

Safety seems to be the main theme or topic of the day, so one can only imagine that it’s time to think outside the box and go “full circle” with this ruling.

What’s good for one sport with safety in mind, must certainly be good for all sports?

Question is – When will it be mandatory for all players in the NHL to required to wear a full visor??

Notice in the photo, yes old time hockey – no helmets, no visors, no face-mask and far more respect for each other and the game!!!

It’s your call!!!