I have, once, seen a Hockey East player take a penalty for not having his mouth guard in. Similar to playing w/out a helmet. It was at UNH, BU was the visiting team. A BU player took the penalty; he and Jack Parker were both very incensed. Now, Jack is good at getting encensed at refs, but he was mad enough in this case that it made me think the rule might not normally be enforced.
That said, I think it's a good rule to enforce; according to medical types, it greatly cuts down on the chance of concussions. This, is my non-medical opinion, is a good thing.
 
George Downing
UNH 1992
 
----------
> In a message dated 9/5/98 3:22:19 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> <<5. Mouth guards - Rule 3-4-c
> Officials and coaches must continue to emphasize the importance of the
> mouth guard. The rules committee is steadfast in its efforts to ensure
> that all players wear mouth guards.>>
>
> This is a joke. WCHA officials NEVER emphasize this in any way...mouthguards
> dangle all over the place before, during, and after play. How is it in other
> leagues?
>
> Randy May
> http://members.aol.com/Al20Secord/Choose.html
>
> HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
> [log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.
>
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.