NHL, Players' Association agree on mandatory visors

I agree with all the proposed changes and would hope to see a reduction in the size of hockey equipment as well a the new visor policy. After watching TSN's panel keeping track of all the puck over glass penalties and the stupidity of that call, I might wish it was on the agenda also.

This new rule will affect the fighting aspect of the game. Fighting with a visor on can result in serious hand injuries when throwing a punch. I guess players will need to learn how to land punches (ie uppercuts) without hitting the visor.

It's also illegal to instigate a fight while wearing a visor, if not removed proir to the altercation the player may be hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Drop the stick - check
Drop the gloves - check
Drop the visor - check


Damn it, I forgot why I wanted to fight.

It's also illegal to instigate a fight while wearing a visor, if not removed proir to the altercation the player may be hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.


That is reassuring, however I would hope that the player not instigating the fight also removes his helmet, otherwise he has an unfair advantage. Not removing one's helmet if equipped with a visor in my opinion clearly shows a very unsportsmanlike conduct by the player, and he should get the equivalent penalty regardless if he instigated the fight.

In the long run, when all NHL players eventually wear visors, they will no doubt all have to remove their helmets prior to a fight. This would definitely reduce the risk for hand injury. I've seen some pretty hard shots to the side of a helmet which could put a player out for weeks with a broken hand. Fighting with no helmets would bring back fond memories from the 1970's - time to bring back the broad street bullies (Flyers) or even the Bruins for that matter.

Unless he doesn't want to fight...

Unless he doesn't want to fight...
True. In the playoffs, it would be the smart thing to do. Don't lift a hand, so your team gets a powerplay when the other player is penalized for fighting.

I can't find anything in the rules about the non-instigator of the fight having to remove his helmet/visor during an altercation, why should he if he didn't start the fight.....I know....safety....Check the rules yourself if you want....Page 77

I can't find anything in the rules about the non-instigator of the fight having to remove his helmet/visor during an altercation, why should he if he didn't start the fight.....I know....safety....Check the rules yourself if you want....Page 77



You're right, Hyack. It appears that only the instigator needs to remove his helmet during a fight if a visor is present. I copied section 46.6 from your link above:



I guess there must be an unwritten rule in regards to visors and fighting. For most fights that I've seen with visors, all players with visors usually do remove their helmets, even those not instigating the fight. It would be the sporting thing to do.

I don't see this affecting fighting to much. The visor is connected to the helmet so all you have to do is drop the stick, drop the gloves, undo the helmet and whip it off your head. I've never worn a hockey helmet so not sure how hard it is to take off. If it is anything like a football helmet or a military helmet they can come of very very quickly when you want them to.


What equipment would you like to see reduced? I am in agreement with you on the puck over the glass rule. It seems very ify at times IMO.

Long overdue.