Three-quarter shields may replace full facemasks in college

[BGDrew]

Again, unless there's been a rule change the NCAA does not ban them. It is only recommended that goalies not utilize them.

[Falcon1970]

NCAA requires goalie cages adhere to HECC approved list. The HECC and CSA have no plans to ever approved them. There is no ambiguity, they are NOT allowed, if a goalie put one on he would not be allowed to compete. It is a rule, that applies to NCAA, JR's, HS and all youth.

[Dimes]

I say go with the shields. As mentioned earlier, cages are near extinction anyway. Players will be no more or no less "careful" with their stick if they change the face gear.

OT, now that's an interesting argument. I HATED when the NHL first went with the 4-4 and then shootout...then I witnessed it. I have been a fan of it ever since. Pens at Wings last season. Entire JLA standing for the last few minutes of regulation until the end of the shootout. It was as close to playoff hockey as the regular season could ever hope to get. End to end action at a fevered pace, and hardly any whistles for 5 minutes. In the grand scheme of things it sounds lame that a shootout gives a team an extra point, but holy $*** is if fun to watch!

[musicman2343]

I agree with pdt1081. I see no reason to make it 4-on-4 for overtime. 5 players up until that point and there should be no change. Referees generally eat their whistles in OT anyway, so losing a player per team doesn't really change that.

IMO, 4-on-4 does not make a more exciting game. If the game goes to OT, it's going to be just as intense (if not more) with 5-on-5.

[BGDrew]

NCAA requires goalie cages adhere to HECC approved list. The HECC and CSA have no plans to ever approved them. There is no ambiguity, they are NOT allowed, if a goalie put one on he would not be allowed to compete. It is a rule, that applies to NCAA, JR's, HS and all youth.

Not true. From the NCAA rule book (http://www.ncaapublications.com/product ... s/IH12.pdf):

All players must wear a HECC-approved hockey helmet. It is recommended
that goalkeepers wear a HECC-approved helmet.

Page HR-36

All players are required to wear face masks that have met the standards
established by HECC. It is recommended that all goalkeepers wear a goalie
helmet with wire cage that has met the standards established by HECC.

Page HR-37

The key word here is recommended, not required when it comes to goalies.

[Falcon1970]

from the 2010-2012 NCAA ice hockey rule book page 39
THE HECC has not, nor will ever approve the cat eye cage. They removed the allowing of this piece of equipment in the early 1980's, when many players switched to bubbles, which are hot, and goalies to approved wire cages.


"Helmet
SECTION 5. a. All players are required to wear ice hockey helmets with throat straps securely fastened. There shall only be enough room between the throat strap and the chin to insert two fingers.
PENALTY—Minor.
Note: An on-ice official shall check each starting goalkeeper’s throat strap before the start of the game.
All players must wear a HECC-approved hockey helmet. It is recommended that goalkeepers wear a HECC-approved helmet.
Rule 3 / equipmenT HR-37
b. If a player’s (including goalkeeper’s) mask and/or helmet is displaced, there shall be an immediate whistle.
c. All players are required to wear face masks that have met the standards established by HECC. It is recommended that all goalkeepers wear a goalie helmet with wire cage that has met the standards established by HECC.
PENALTY—Players shall not be permitted to participate in the warm-up and game until equipment has been corrected. Misconduct for second offense by the same player in the same game. Game misconduct for third offense by the same player in the same game.
d. All players must properly wear a HECC-approved helmet and HECC- approved facemask to be in the bench area. Backup goalkeepers must properly wear a goalkeeper helmet with wire cage to be in the bench area."

approved helmet as defined is the none cage area that surrounds the head. This is how mask makers like Warwick can make single off masks. The HECC approved face mask is very different. Its about proper interpretation.

[BGDrew]

It's obvious we're just going to go round and round. Our interpretations of the rule is different.

[Falcon1970]

agree the key is understanding that the FACEMASK needs to be HECC, which is why no goalie wears a cat eye.
I bet if you ask a bg goalie, or even the goalie coach who is title holder which he prefers it will be cat eye. Ask why no one wears them, and they say the rule.

[Falcon Fanatic]

Doctor: Study Supports Eliminating Full Shields

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2 ... nating.php

[jpfalcon09]

NCAA said today they are not sold on this and may look at other safety methods before approving 3/4 shields or even 1/2 shields. Tom Anastos has been named head of the safety committee that will look into these matters.