Should Players Wear Visors?

The argument surrounding whether NHL players should be required to wear visors has been around since 1980 when helmets were made mandatory. There are arguments for both sides but in the end the decision has been left to the player. This controversy recently came up again when Chris Pronger was cut near the eye with a wild stick and has now missed close to 3 weeks recovering. But it wasn't until last night, when a wild puck struck Drew Doughty in the visor that I decided I should offer my opinion. Visors should be mandatory and these are the reasons why.

A visor does not hinder a players ability to see the ice. This simply isn't true. If it was, players like Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby would not be able to dangle around their opponents and score a bunch of goals. Ironically, many defencemen without visors are the ones who look dazed when Ovi or Sid skate by them every night. Since the biggest names in the sport wear visors, it should be easy for young players who look up to Sid and Ovi to choose the same.

Players without visors are tough. That may be so, but they are also the victims of a lot of injuries. It was clear when Pronger got hurt that he knew a visor would have protected him. But he feels they hinder his ability to be intimidating on the ice, which is why he hasn't worn one his whole career. Don Cherry has said people who fight with visors are cowards, but since fighting is not a big part of the actual game, it is more of a sideshow, changing the visor rule would not change fighting. Also, Cherry is encouraging young players to be tough and not wear visors which is sad, since many young kids watch and listen to every word he says, even if it involves putting their faces in danger just to be tough players. Players without visors also have fears, the fear of being less intimidating. But if they keep growing hits and blocking shots, their intimidation factor should not be hindered with or without a visor.

Visors keep people safe and confident when playing hockey. It's no wonder the CHL and AHL requires all players to wear visors. They are young and should be risking their face and eyes while playing a game they love. The NHL should adopt a similar rule and with the new player safety committee headed by Brendan Shanahan, I am certain there will be a new rule in the future. Last year Manny Malhotra almost lost an eye when a wild puck struck him in the face. And last night a very similar incident happened to Drew Doughty. The difference; Malhotra missed 3 months with his injury, while Doughty was saved by a visor and likely won't miss any time. Doughty's example alone is enough proof that there are more pros than cons when it comes to wearing visors and hopefully the league recognizes that.