What Visors Do NHL Players Use?

A look at the different visors NHL players use to protect themselves from injuries.

Introduction

NHL players are required to wear visors if they did not play professional hockey in North America prior to June 1, 2013. This rule was put into place to protect the players from potential eye injuries, as well as to increase the safety of the game. There are two types of visors that NHL players can choose from: clear and tinted. Clear visors do not obstruct the player’s vision, while tinted visors help to reduce the glare from the ice and arena lights. Players are also allowed to wear goggles, which offer even more protection from potential eye injuries.

What type of visor is most popular among NHL players?

When it comes to the NHL, the type of visor worn by a player can say a lot about them. For example, a full visor protects the player’s entire face, while a half visor only protects the player’s eyes. Some players even choose to wear no visor at all. So, what type of visor do NHL players use?

Full visor

A full visor is a clear plastic shield that covers the entire face except for the mouth and chin. It offers the most protection from wayward sticks and pucks, and it’s become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, close to 60% of NHL players now wear full visors, according to a 2018 league-wide survey.

There are a few notable exceptions, of course. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby famously switched back to a half-visor this season after wearing a full one for most of his career. Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin has also been known to ditch the full visor from time to time.

But for the most part, NHL players have embraced the full visor as a necessary piece of equipment. It protects not only their eyesight but also their teeth — just ask former Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, who famously lost several teeth when he was hit in the mouth with a puck in 2013.

Half visor

The most popular type of visor among NHL players is the half visor. This type of visor covers the top half of the face, from the forehead to the nose. It is designed to protect the eyes from flying debris and sticks, while still allowing the player to have a full field of vision. Approximately 60% of NHL players wear a half visor.

Cage

A cage visor is the most popular type of visor used by NHL players. It offers maximum protection from flying pucks and prevents players from getting hit in the face with a stick. It is also the preferred type of visor for players who wear glasses.

How do NHL players choose their visors?

NHL players have a few different options when it comes to choosing a visor. They can choose from a variety of brands, colors, and materials. The most important factor in choosing a visor is the level of protection it offers. Players also have to consider how well the visor will fit with their helmet, how comfortable it is, and how much it will fog up.

Protection

Visors have been mandatory for incoming NHL players since 2013, but many veteran players still don’t wear them. A visor can offer protection against high sticks and flying pucks, but some players feel that they inhibit their vision or attention on the ice. If a player has a history of head injuries, they may be more likely to wear a visor for added protection.

NHL rules allow players to choose whether or not they want to wear a visor, but stipulate that all new players must wear one. This includes anyone who is drafted, signed as a free agent or called up from the AHL/minors. Players who already had NHL experience before the 2013 season were grandfathered in and allowed to make their own decision on whether or not to wear a visor.

As of the 2018-19 season, about two-thirds of NHLplayers still don’t wear visors. This is in contrast to the AHL, where nearly all players wear visors due to a league-wide rule instituted in 2009.

There are a few other leagues around the world that have made visors mandatory, including the Swedish Hockey League and Finland’s Liiga. In Switzerland’s National League, any player born after January 1st, 1996 must wear a visor while players who pre-date that date can choose whether or not they want to wear one.

The Canadian Hockey League (which includes the WHL, OHL and QMJHL) has no league-wide rule on visors and each team decides individually what their policy will be. For instance, all Charlottetown Islanders players are required to wear a visor while only 50% of Calgary Hitmen roster spots are occupied by Visor Wearers.

Finally, USA Hockey does not have any rules mandating the use of visors at any level, including professional leagues like the AHL and ECHL

Visibility

NHL players began using visors in the 1970s to protect themselves from high sticks,and the use of visors has become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, nearly half of NHL players now wear visors.

There are a few reasons why visibility is such an important consideration for NHL players. First, it’s difficult to see the puck when it’s moving at high speeds. Wearing a visor can help players track the puck more easily. Second, there is a lot of action on the ice, and it can be difficult to keep track of all the other players. Wearing a visor can help players see more clearly and avoid collisions.

Finally, many NHL players have suffered serious eye injuries in recent years. Wearing a visor can help protect players from these kinds of injuries.

Comfort

The most important factor for NHL players when choosing a visor is comfort. If a visor isn’t comfortable, players won’t wear it – plain and simple. Players have to be able to forget about their visor and focus on playing the game. A good Visor should feel light and unobtrusive, like an extension of the player’s helmet. It should also provide a wide, distortion-free field of vision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, visors have become a popular choice among NHL players in recent years. While some players still choose to wear glasses or no protection at all, the majority of players now wear visors to protect their eyes from potential injury.