Ken Schott, Parting Schotts --- The NCAA hockey rules committee will examine the use of three-quarter face shields, the NCAA announced Friday.I also think that the NCAA is moving in the right direction and I hope that they decide to "finally" get rid of the clumsy full bird cage/clear maks and go to the shield... I don't buy the logic that the shield is more dangers than the full cage.
The committee, which met Wednesday and Thursday in Indianapolis, didn't make a formal proposal, but will focus more on reviewing and collecting data on whether the three-quarter face shield will be safer than the full facemask. NCAA hockey players have been wearing full facemasks since 1978.
"We really wanted to make sure what we came back with is a measured approach to the entire community, not just the college hockey community, but the NCAA hockey committee understands where we're coming from," said Niagara athletic director Ed McLaughlin, who is chairman of the NCAA hockey rules committee. "We all feel we need more data. ... We all know, in our minds, it could be a safer way to play the game and not be less invincible."
A study recently conducted of over 1,000 student-athletes showed that 83 percent favored the three-quarter shield.
Personally, I have never understood the flawed logic of the NCAA for requiring that college hockey players be required to wear the full cage/mask. I can see making hockey players that have yet to get to their 18 birthday wear the full cage/mask, but the NCAA is making the decision for the most part about adult men who should be able to make their own decision what kind of protection they want to wear on their face. Current NCAA players have worn the ½ shield since they were in juniors and wear them when they play in the WJC.
