Of Helmets and Headcases

Well, hockey's back now and the game is undergoing some pretty severe changes. I have to say that I am happy that the ice hasn't been changed as previously threatened. Have they learned from their past errors? Will the new rules help or hinder the game? Will the old players be able to keep up with the new rules? Will the refs finally learn how to make competent calls? All of these are mysteries that only time sill reveal the answers to. One thing that hasn't changed though is certain attitudes on machismo versus safety. The older players still pretend they are special cases and don't required intelligence. Maybe they think they are surrounded by a protective bubble in space and time, or maybe they feel the extra thick skull that obviously the ability to make smart choices regarding certain things will keep them safe.

Hockey in Canada is primarily concerned with safety. Players are required to wear certain protective equipment and the item I'm talking about is headgear. Visors or wire cages are required on their helmets to protect their faces from the flying disc of hardened rubber that is the puck. Children and up and coming players alike all take steps to protect themselves from the puck as it tears across the ice at some pretty impressive speeds, even in the minor leagues.

So why is it that once these players make it into the big league they feel that they are suddenly special and don't need to wear their basic safety gear. If you look at most teams on the ice in the NHL you will see a large number of players without visor of any kind on the ice. We're talking teeth and eyes here people. They wouldn't go on the ice without their pads or their cup would they? So why is it that they feel their nuts are so special that they need protecting, but the concept of chewing their food on an ongoing basis, or possibly being able to see well for the rest of their lives bears no real concern?

I'll bet Mats Sundin feels like a big man now that he's had his eye socket cracked by a rogue puck (He looks happy about it). I'll bet he's proud that after a year and a half on his ass he now gets to sit out for a month or more while he heals. Don't get me wrong here, I really don't give a rat's ass for the safety and welfare of these guys. If they've had enough pucks to the head or hits into the boards that they are suffering a full blown case of rectal cranial inversion then so be it. I'm worried about the kids that are watching. What are you supposed to do when your 8 year old says that he won't wear a visor because his hockey hero doesn't. Personally I'd let them go out there without their cup as well, let them take a frozen puck where it may land and see how fast they run for their visor, but that's bad parenting. I guess we have to resign ourselves to worshipping our heroes with bad eyes and smiles like old picket fences. At least when their jaws get wired shut they'll still be able to eat dinner through the gaps in their teeth. Kind of makes you proud of them doesn't it?