Players taking advantage of the helmet rule

[CowbellConray]

When the new helmet rule (If you lose your helmet during play, you need to automatically go to the bench, even if you are engaged in the play) first came out, it was looked at as a way to keep players safe. The NHL doesn't want their players to lose safety equipment and risk injury.

As a result, we have seen instances of opposing players taking advantage of the rule without repercussions. During tussles, players have been pulling opponents helmets off, forcing them to go to the bench to comply with the current rule.

We saw it in Game 1 of the finals, where Gallagher pulls Coleman's helmet off (this was near the bench, so it wasn't as noticeable). Coleman then pulled Gallagher's helmet off in retaliation, which led to Gallagher hitting his head on the ice (and bleeding all over).

With the playoffs being more physical, we have also seen players taking higher runs, to try and jar the helmet lose (I can try to go back and find 1-2 examples from the Lightning Islanders series).

Will this continue to occur? Will we see a goal or significant moment as a result from players taking advantage of the rule? Will the NHL try to implement a new rule to call a penalty in this situations?

 

[Khelandros]

Rule 9.6
"A player who intentionally removes an opponent’s helmet during
play shall be assessed a minor penalty for roughing (See Rule 51)."

Rule 51.1
"Roughing – Roughing is a punching or slamming motion with or
without the glove on the hand, normally directed at the head or face of
an opponent, or if a player intentionally removes an opponent’s helmet
during play pursuant to Rule 9.6."

Rule 51.2
"Minor Penalty - A minor penalty shall be imposed on a player who
strikes an opponent with his hand or fist, or if a player intentionally
removes an opponent’s helmet during play pursuant to Rule 9.6."

But since the rules aren't called in the Playoffs, players can get away with anything they want.

 

[GeeoffBrown]

IMO if you intentionally remove another player's equipment that should be considered delay of game. But on the other hand, on the Flames Sean Monahan barely fastens his helmet and I'm sure every team has someone like this, so there's some grey area

 

[Bounces R Way]

It's a stupid rule no one was asking for.

 

[kingsholygrail]

Wear your helmet properly and it's a lot harder to take off.

 

[miscs75]

Considering they’ve yet to call this penalty in the playoffs I’m not surprised. I forget if it was either Coyle or Smith that kept trying to knock helmets off in the Islanders series (pretty sure it was Coyle). McAvoy as well when he took a guy down behind the net.

 

[Rockomax]

The hockey helmet is the worst designed piece of equipment. Why in hell should the helmet be so easy to remove or fall off? They should review the design of the equipment and it may correct the issue.

 

[Drake1588]

As noted, they don't need new rules. The rules covering these practices are already on the books. The issue is an inconsistent willingness to call the game according to the rule book at varying times of the season.

As an aside, the other side to this issue is that if players tightened their helmet straps, these issues go away. The helmet works quite well, but it doesn't work well at all if you don't tighten it up.

 

[Hynh]

The hockey helmet is the worst designed piece of equipment. Why in hell should the helmet be so easy to remove or fall off? They should review the design of the equipment and it may correct the issue.

It's not a design flaw, it's a user flaw. Most of these idiots don't bother to do the chin strap up properly because they're too cool to do that.

It's no different than the morons that refuse to wear their visors properly and remove the ear protectors

 

[Legionnaire11]

The hockey helmet is the worst designed piece of equipment. Why in hell should the helmet be so easy to remove or fall off? They should review the design of the equipment and it may correct the issue.

I like some of the prototypes that are being worked on right now...

 

[Rockomax]

It's not a design flaw, it's a user flaw. Most of these idiots don't bother to do the chin strap up properly because they're too cool to do that.

It's no different than the morons that refuse to wear their visors properly and remove the ear protectors

Still, it's widely accepted in the health services that the hockey helmet doesn't offer enough protection compared to football helmets for example. Plus, you are not supposed to use the same helmet after 1 impact, and I doubt that players change their helmet after each impact. But this is off topic. You are right though in that the players don't wear the helmets properly.

 

[Machinehead]

This really feels like something that isn't a big deal

 

[kingsholygrail]

Still, it's widely accepted in the health services that the hockey helmet doesn't offer enough protection compared to football helmets for example. Plus, you are not supposed to use the same helmet after 1 impact, and I doubt that players change their helmet after each impact. But this is off topic. You are right though in that the players don't wear the helmets properly.

Football helmets don't prevent concussions.

 

[bigdog16]

Still, it's widely accepted in the health services that the hockey helmet doesn't offer enough protection compared to football helmets for example. Plus, you are not supposed to use the same helmet after 1 impact, and I doubt that players change their helmet after each impact. But this is off topic. You are right though in that the players don't wear the helmets properly.

If there was a helmet out there that was comfortable and reduced chances of concussions, then hockey players would wear them. Unfortunately there isn't any technology out there like this. The helmet technology has changed drastically just in the past 10 years.

 

[Rockomax]

Football helmets don't prevent concussions.

No helmet does, but some helmets prevent them more than others

 

[Rockomax]

If there was a helmet out there that was comfortable and reduced chances of concussions, then hockey players would wear them. Unfortunately there isn't any technology out there like this. The helmet technology has changed drastically just in the past 10 years.

I agree. I'm saying that they should keep working on this specific piece of equipment. It's not the players' fault if they don't have access to better helmets. However, it is their fault when they play with loose helmets and straps and a lifted visor.

 

[AD Skinner]

If they wore cages this wouldn't be an issue, and I truly think the nhl will eventually require everyone wear a full cage. Not sure how long or what kind of event would have to happen to precipice that though

 

[MarkusKetterer]

It's not a design flaw, it's a user flaw. Most of these idiots don't bother to do the chin strap up properly because they're too cool to do that.

It's no different than the morons that refuse to wear their visors properly and remove the ear protectors

Look at how far Puljujarvi’s ears stick out. Of course he takes the ear guards off. I would too

 

[AhosDatsyukian]

Right in front of the ref...