Can You Wear A Full Cage In The NHL?

The NHL is cracking down on face protection, but some players are still resisting. Can you wear a full cage in the NHL?

Introduction

In the National Hockey League, players are required to wear protective equipment including helmets, gloves, mouthguards, and shoulder pads. However, there is no rule that specifically requires players to wear a full cage on their helmet.

There are benefits and drawbacks to wearing a full cage vs. a regular helmet with a visor. Some players feel that the full cage provides more protection, while others find it obstructive and prefer the visibility of a visor.

Some goalies opt to wear a half-shield instead of a full cage in order to maintain better peripheral vision. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wear a full cage is up to the individual player.

What Is A Full Cage?

A full cage is a piece of equipment worn by ice hockey goaltenders to protect their heads. It consists of a metal or plastic frame that covers the entire face, with a wire or bar-covered grid that protects the eyes and mouth. A full cage offers the most protection of any type of goaltender mask, but it can also be the most difficult to see out of and can limit a goaltender’s vision.

The NHL’s Rule On Full Cages

The National Hockey League’s Rulebook stipulates that all players must wear protective equipment at all times during game play. This equipment must include, at a minimum, a helmet with a facemask, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants and shin guards.

Players have the option of wearing additional protective gear such as neckguards and mouthguards, but this is not mandatory. Players are also allowed to wear full cages instead of just facemasks, but there are some restrictions on when this is allowed.

Rule 6 in the NHL Rulebook states that “a player may wear a full facial protector which covers the entire face except the mouth area” if they have suffered a facial injury which requires the extra protection. However, once a player has worn a full cage they are not permitted to switch back to a regular facemask unless they receive approval from both the team doctor and the League’s Chief Medical Officer.

So, in answer to the question – yes, you can wear a full cage in the NHL, but only if you have suffered a facial injury which requires the extra protection.

Pros Of Wearing A Full Cage

There are a few pros to wearing a full cage in the NHL. The first is that it offers more protection to your head and face than a half cage or visor. This is especially important if you are someone who is prone to getting hit in the face with the puck or taking high sticks. A full cage will also offer more protection if you are involved in a fight or suffer a head injury.

Another pro of wearing a full cage is that it can help you stay cool during long games or practices. The cage will allow air to circulate around your head and prevent you from getting too sweaty. This can be especially important if you play in hot weather conditions or wear a lot of facial hair.

Cons Of Wearing A Full Cage

There are a few potential downsides to wearing a full cage in the NHL. First, it can be hot and uncomfortable, especially in warm weather arenas. Second, it can impede your vision, making it difficult to see the puck and the other players on the ice. Finally, some players feel that wearing a full cage gives them a psychological disadvantage, making them feel more like a target on the ice.

Conclusion

Many players in the NHL choose to wear full cages to protect their teeth and mouths from high sticks, pucks, and other impacts. While there is no rule mandating that players must wear full cages, most players feel that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Full cages can help prevent serious injuries, and they can also help players feel more comfortable and confident on the ice. If you’re considering whether or not to wear a full cage, talk to your coach or another player who has experience with them.