Why do some NHL hockey players wear visors and some don't?

Answer 1

A lot of players complain that the visor obstructs their vision by creating a glare. It used to be seen as being less macho if you wore a visor... I think this attitude is dying since a lot of skilled and tough players wear them.

The biggest reason for using the visor is to prevent pucks and sticks to the eye. Orbital fractures are not rare in hockey and they are extremely painful... some people have actually been blinded by these injuries and ends their careers. Most players who wear a visor have taken a stick to the eye and don't want to experience that again.

Answer 2

Ask any player that has taken a puck to the face, especially the eye area, and they will all tell you the same thing: They will wear a visor as soon as they get back to playing the game. Is it a wise decision: Yes. It reduces the chance to have a career ending accident. This is a topic that gets debated over and over again. I think the best way is to grandfather it in like they did with helmets. All the upcoming players would be required. All the current players have the option. On the other hand, how frequent are the accidents to the face? I've seen, very closely, a fluke puck to the chin that a full face mask didn't even come close to protecting. I think players get reckless because they get sloppy habits, and that starts at a younger age. The sooner those habits are broken, the better.

Answer 3

There is no clear cut reason its up to the player. As a college hockey player we have to wear full face masks. If i were to ever play in the NHL or Minors i would wear a visor though. Some slap shots are in the lower 90 mph mark catch that in the face its gonna hurt pretty bad so id want as much protection as i could get.

Answer 4

Everyone has touched on the most basic answers - preventing injury and preventing further injury. However, no one has mentioned that many players do not like the visor because although designed to protect the eyes it can also do harm. By this I mean if an opposing players stick blade gets underneath the vistor and is caught, that player will attempt to free it. In doing so he could be doing the same type of damage the visor was designed to precent.

Answer 5

Some wear the visors as a result of previous injury (usually to the eye). Others use the visor as an extension of youth/college hockey where facial protection is mandatory.

Answer 6

If a players stick gets caught under the visor then the stick would likely have caused some injury any way. Some guys are just more irritating to their opponents for one reason or another, and get more sticks in the face. Even accidentally eye injury is a serious risk. I think the visor should be required.

Answer 7

It is totally personal preference. Each player just wears what they feel comfortbale in. Now some players for example (Bryan Berard) have to wear one now because of a previous eye injury. For some guys they have played without one for so long that it actually makes them feel uncomfortable wearing one. Look at Mats Sundin, he had the eye injury last year or 2 years ago and said he was wearing a visor from now on. He tried and couldnt get used to it. Its all what makes the player feel comforable.

Answer 8

The ones who wear it only wear it for the protection. Take a look back when Steve Yzerman was hit in the face and he started wearing all that gear on his helmet. Some just want to be safer and more protected than others.

Answer 9

I'd have to say personal preferences; whether it's because of a past injury/experience or to keep their eyes protected is up to them. And Hockeygirl - the full cage may be to protect a broken jaw...I saw one on Niklas Kronwall and he's been wearing it for the past few weeks, but I don't really know why. If someone can clear that up, I'd appreciate it.

Answer 10

generally it's because the player had an old eye injury, and just got used to wearing the visor, and now just prefer it.