do the use of helmet visors hinder player performance?

Question

I remember gretzky said he tried to use a visor once and he couldn't see the puck.Has the level of play deteriorated with the use of visors?

Answer 1

For one thing, most experts say that the level of play is higher now than it ever has been. Visors seem to have made little impact on that either way.

For another thing, as someone already said, the visors have come a long way since the 1980s. They are much better designed and easier to see out of.

Finally, the idea that the visors hinder the vision is true... but very negligible. Mostly it is a dumb excuse to try to be more "manly." It is retarded not to wear one. Ask Bryan Berard or Al MacInnis. If it screws up your vision so much, how do you explain the success of Ovechkin, Selanne, and the dozens of other top-notch players that play absolutely fine with a visor? Even Ray Bourque wore one later in his career.

If some of these players that don't like them would get off their macho horse, they'd get used to them. That is all it takes... a little experience. Then you hardly know it is there. How many of them complain about the helmets distracting them or being uncomfortable? Funny. When they made those mandatory everyone complained too, but it didn't hurt their play.

Some people will argue that visors cause more stick fouls. I think that is a bunch of bull. Wearing a visor has not turned Teemu Selanne into a goon, and not wearing one has not made Sean Avery into Mr. Clean. It is all a big excuse.

That said, I don't think they should be mandatory, either. These guys are big boys now. They can make their own decisions. It is their eyesight at stake. Let them lose an eye if they want to. It's a free continent.

Answer 2

well back in the day when they didn't have anti-fog chemicals there visors would fog up and they would be blinded. Now they have anti-fog and it doesn't get all fogged up. No dought though that no visor is a better at the visual part of the game but not the safety part.

Answer 3

The visors are differnt now then they were then. I know it sounds crazy but its true. They used to fog up, and they were hard to see from visor to no visor.

Answer 4

Alex Ovechkin wears a visor...apparently it doesnt affect his performance.

Answer 5

Depends on the person. I personally can't stand them, just not as comfortable. I remember when I was a kid playing with the cage was awful. Some guys just don't like them. Maybe if you always used one it would be easier but to start later on would be harder.

Answer 6

Maybe for some people but it shouldn't.
It's just to protect the eyes from pucks and sticks.

Answer 7

well I played hockey with a cage for six years and I could see fine