the rule is that it's automatic...  thus, once the helmet was off - 
play was dead.  It was clearly off before the shot even.

>I just started watching the UNH-BC game on the TV. It is in OT.  BC 
>had come back from behind (possibly 3 goals) to tie it up at 4 and 
>send it into overtime.  Late in the first overtime it appeared that 
>BC scored the winning goal.  The UNH came out to stop a shot and 
>then lost his mask.  The rebound shot went into the open net.  The 
>goal was called off since the goalie had lost his mask even though 
>no whistle had blown.  The first OT is over and we are awaiting the 
>start of OT #2.
>
>Sara
>SLU '77
>Let's go SAINTS!!!