Eric Burton wrote:
"he did mention that he felt it contributed to them never being hurt
(meaning never have been the victim of a high stick, which would then cause
them to be more careful) because they wear the full sheild. Maybe getting
rid of them in HS and Junior and NCAA college would take care of this to a
certain degree. Anyone find it ironic that you can go without a shield or
face mask in USHL but not in NCAA. Canadian College wears a half shield. I
never understood this... I would assume that someone over 18 should be able
to act like and be treated like an adult."
 
I write:
Now, I'm not sure where Eric's quote ends and where his own opinion starts,
and I'm not about to get into a long debate on the topic, but I thought I
would mention that in the most recent issue of The Hockey News (sorry, threw
it out already, so I don't know the cover date), their editorial staff
advocates the use of half-shields for all players coming into the league
(still voluntary for players already in the league). They also mention that
it shouldn't affect the skills of the incoming players, since they've had to
use the shields through all previous levels of play. They make this
reccommendation based on the number of serious eye injuries in the NHL this
season.
 
George DowningUNH '92
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