Throughout the NHL’s 107-year existence, the league has experienced countless rule modifications. A significant change occurred in 1979, when it was mandated that all players entering the league were required to wear helmets. Since then, in an effort to further prioritize player safety, the league implemented a regulation before the 2013-14 season stipulating that all players with 25 or fewer games played must wear a visor on their helmets.
Fast forward to a decade later, and only four players remain in the league without a visor. These players, grandfathered in due to their prior games played, are Ryan O’Reilly (NSH), Zach Bogosian (MIN), Jamie Benn (DAL), and Ryan Reaves (TOR).
Only four visorless players remain in the NHL. Soon to be extinct 🪖
(h/t u/lzakei) pic.twitter.com/fM8aGFz65g
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 20, 2024
Over the last two offseasons, the number of players without visors has dropped by eight. With the start of the 2023-24 season, Zdeno Chara, Ryan Getzlaf, Joe Thornton, and Brian Boyle all announced their retirements from the NHL. As the 2024-25 season approaches, Jordie Benn and Zack Kassian have also retired, while Matt Martin and Milan Lucic are still unsigned as free agents.
O’Reilly, at 33 years of age, is the youngest among the remaining players and has the longest tenure left on his current contract, which lasts until the end of the 2026-27 season. In addition to his ongoing effectiveness as a shutdown center, these factors position the former Conn Smythe, Selke, and Lady Byng award winner as the most likely candidate to become the last visorless player in NHL history.
Benn and Reaves have both sustained serious facial injuries in their careers attributed to their choice to play without a visor. Benn endured a broken nose from a high stick delivered by Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov in 2017, and Reaves suffered a frightening facial cut from a skate during a 2018 practice.
The substantial increase in visor usage across the league can be traced back to an incident involving defenseman Bryan Berard, the first overall pick in the 1995 NHL Draft, who sustained a serious eye injury from a stick blade that resulted in a retinal tear and a detached retina. Berard’s injury forced him to miss the entire 2000-01 season, required seven eye surgeries, and he was only allowed to rejoin the league after custom contact lenses were created to meet the vision criteria.
Nevertheless, even with the adoption of visors, eye injuries remain a possibility. Carl Hagelin, a veteran with 713 NHL appearances, saw his career cut short after a high stick during a Capitals practice damaged the choroid in his left eye. Notably, Hagelin wore his visor with a pronounced upward tilt, which diminished its protective capabilities.
End of an Era: The NHL’s Last Four Visorless Players and the Evolution of Player Safety
The Shift in NHL Safety Regulations
The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen significant changes over the decades, especially in terms of player safety. A stark illustration of this evolution is the transition from players opting out of wearing visors to the current landscape where safety gear is more widely adopted. The NHL’s last four visorless players symbolize a bygone era, prompting discussions on how these changes have shaped the game.
The Last Four Visorless Players
As of the 2023 NHL season, the league features four players who have chosen to forgo the protective visor. These players are:
- Ryan Getzlaf - Anaheim Ducks
- Brent Burns – San Jose Sharks
- Joe Thornton – Florida Panthers
- Cal Clutterbuck – New York Islanders
These players represent a unique connection to a time when the NHL culture was less focused on mandatory safety gear. Their choice to play visorless has sparked conversations about the balance between tradition and modern safety protocols.
The Importance of Player Safety in the NHL
Player safety in the NHL has evolved significantly over the years, heavily influenced by research and growing awareness around concussions and injuries.
Key Milestones in Player Safety
Here are some vital milestones that have shaped player safety regulations in the NHL:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Implementation of the helmet rule, making helmets mandatory for all players. |
| 2010 | Introduction of the mandatory visor rule for all players entering the league after this date. |
| 2017 | Increased penalties for dangerous hits aimed at improving player safety. |
The Debate: To Wear or Not to Wear a Visor
While the NHL has made strides in promoting player safety, there is an ongoing debate amongst players regarding the benefits and drawbacks of wearing visors.
Benefits of Wearing a Visor
- **Eye Protection:** Visors shield players from flying pucks and sticks, reducing the risk of eye injuries.
– **Enhanced Safety:** With the increase in head injuries and concussions, visors serve as an added layer of protection.
- **Cultural Shift:** Wearing visors symbolizes a commitment to safety, which resonates with younger players and parents.
Drawbacks of Wearing a Visor
– **Reduced Visibility:** Some players argue that visors can impair peripheral vision.
– **Fogging Issues:** In humid arenas, visors can fog up, hindering visibility during critical moments of gameplay.
- **Tradition and Identity:** For some veterans, playing without a visor is part of their identity and connection to the game’s history.
First-Hand Experiences from Players
Several NHL players have shared their thoughts on playing with or without visors. Here are a few notable insights:
Ryan Getzlaf
Getzlaf has stated, “I grew up watching players who didn’t wear visors, and for me, it’s about connecting to that history. But I respect those who choose safety first.”
Brent Burns
Burns once mentioned, “I’ve had my fair share of injuries, but I feel comfortable without one. It’s a personal choice that I believe works for my style of play.”
The Impact of the Last Visorless Players on the NHL Culture
The presence of visorless players in the NHL serves as a reminder of the sport’s evolution and influences the growing emphasis on safety. While they may be the last of a dwindling breed, their choices often resonate with younger players who look up to them.
How Do New Players View This Culture?
Young players entering the NHL are increasingly mindful of player safety. With the prevalence of concussion awareness programs and educational seminars, new recruits are likely to lean towards wearing protective gear, including visors.
Player Safety Initiatives and Future Implications
The NHL continues to implement various initiatives to enhance player safety. These include:
– **Concussion Protocols:** Strict guidelines are in place to monitor and manage head injuries.
– **Equipment Innovations:** New designs are constantly being tested to enhance player protection without hindering performance.
- **Education Programs:** The NHL has initiated programs focusing on the importance of using safety gear effectively.
Benefits of These Initiatives
– **Reduced Injury Rates:** Implementing modern safety protocols has led to a decrease in serious injuries.
– **Increased Awareness:** Players are becoming more informed about the risks involved in the game.
– **Promoting a Safe Environment:** By prioritizing player safety, the NHL fosters a culture that values the health and well-being of its athletes.
Case Studies: The Evolution of Equipment
Examining the evolution of hockey equipment provides insight into how player safety has transformed over the years.
| Era | Equipment Type | Safety Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1979 | Minimal Protection (no helmets) | None |
| 1980s | Helmets become mandatory | Basic head protection |
| 1990s | Introduction of full-face shields | Protection against sticks and pucks |
| 2000s | Mandatory visors for new players | Enhanced eye safety, better visibility |
Conclusion: The Future of Player Safety in the NHL
As the NHL continues to evolve, the emphasis on player safety will remain a crucial focus. The last four visorless players serve as a bridge between the past and future, showcasing a cultural shift towards prioritizing the health and well-being of athletes. Understanding the journey and the ongoing discussions around equipment and safety initiatives will undoubtedly shape the landscape of hockey for generations to come.
