Edward Moller wrote:
 
> I am not a fan of the full facemask at the college level.  I believe it causes
> more injuries than it prevents.  Players show disrespect for the head by
> carrying sticks higher; look at the black tape marks on some players' helmets.
 
Then wouldn't a better solution here be to call a tighter game, at least against this infraction, rather than eliminating the protective shield? The nasty variety of boarding seems to be way down this season (I have no stats, I just have seen and/or heard about a lot fewer incidents this season), after the leagues and refs increased the penalties (game ejections) and starting calling the penalties more.
 
 In the NHL, the GM's avoided calling tighter penalties for years, fearing that too many penalties would slow down the games. They finally had the refs start calling the clutching/grabbing interference stuff this season. The first two or three weeks of games were long, with lots of penalties. But then the players figured out that the refs and league really meant it, the interference cut down (some), and skill players like Jagr, Kariya, and Selanne are having monster seasons. If the refs consistently call the penalties, the players learn quick not to commit the penalties.
 
If the players no longer have ingrained respect for the opponents' heads, whether it's due to more protection or a less benevolent mindset, removing the face shield won't bring back the respect. Penalizing the players for high sticking might.
 
George Downing
UNH '92
 
HOCKEY-L is for discussion of college ice hockey;  send information to
[log in to unmask], The College Hockey Information List.