Bryan Berard is an example of a tragic hockey injury. Berard suffered a cut cornea, detached retina, and fractured orbital bone when accidentally hit by Marian Hossa's stick in a game against Ottawa, because of the lack of facial protection of the hockey mask. Hockey visors are a must.
While playing hockey, serious injuries can occur. Garry Valk of the Toronto Maple Leafs also received an incision to his upper left eye in a practice 3v3 match, because he did wear protective facial gear. Some unfortunate players receive high speed pucks to the face, which ends up in deformities or broken bones. High sticking can also incise a part on the face, mainly the eyes, which can prevent a hockey player from ever playing the sport again. Since the 1970's over 400 hockey players have been blinded from the sport, all from required facial protection. About 90% of the injuries that occur in the face can be prevented by a full faced visor. Life-threatening injuries can be prevented by the use of visors.
Other sports and occupations require the use of goggles, visors or masks. Games such as squash require safety goggles to protect their eyes. Lacrosse players also wear visors, so why shouldn't hockey players? Hockey players face much more serious dangers, but continue to not wear protection. Certain occupations are forced to wear visors or masks, even though the threat level is much less than a professional hockey league.
Younger hockey associations are forced to wear safety visors for their protection. Even minor hockey leagues wear caged masks for injuries that can occur. In the late 1970s the Canadian Hockey Association ruled that all minor league players must wear helmets and face masks, as should professionals. But what is the true reason that NHL players don't wear safety visors? They claim it restricts their performance. I would rather lose a goal, then to lose an eye. The threat of injury is dramatically increased playing in the National Hockey League.
Hockey visors benefit players in many ways. Many people have been scared for life because of the lack of facial protection. This trend should be carried up by all ages and competitive levels, to ensure an enhanced and safer environment for hockey players.
