Hockey Helmets & Head Protection

Hockey Helmets and Head Protection

Explore the range of hockey helmets, visors, mouth guards, and neck guards – each crafted to safeguard your head from impacts whilst enhancing safety during ice hockey play.

Ice Hockey Helmets

Within ice hockey, the helmet stands as the paramount piece of protective equipment. Players face numerous potential head injuries throughout the game. Encounters with fellow players, falls on the ice, or being hit by a puck all present common threats. As a high-intensity contact sport where these events frequently occur and pucks may travel up to 160 km/h, it is essential to wear a helmet.

Optimal Fit for Ice Hockey Helmets

Ice hockey helmets must achieve a seamless fit that avoids any unpleasant pressure points. When optimally fitted, a helmet will stay secure during play.

It must sit evenly on the head, covering the upper portion of the forehead.
It should not shift or slide as you move your head.
The chin strap needs to be fastened under the chin while still allowing easy mouth movement.

Certifications for Ice Hockey Helmets

Stringent standards govern ice hockey helmets. The prevalent certifications are:

HECC: This American standard is specific to ice hockey helmets. Representing the Hockey Equipment Certification Council, HECC guarantees suitable protection against head injuries and is compulsory under USA Hockey regulations.
CSA: The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) insists on stringent tests for shock absorption, visibility, durability, and design. Helmets bearing the CSA mark are sanctioned for hockey under Hockey Canada's oversight.
CE: In the EU, no helmet certification is exclusive to hockey. Yet, ice hockey helmets in the EU must bear the CE marking as required by the general Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) directive.

It is advised for ice hockey players in the EU to look for HECC and CSA certifications when obtaining ice hockey helmets.

Hockey Neck Guards

A hockey neck guard offers defense to the throat and upper neck against ice skate blades, pucks, and sticks. Typically constructed from cut-resistant materials, it features a soft, cushioned inner layer for comfort.

When selecting a hockey neck guard, ensure it covers critical areas without hindering movement or breathing. Certified items meeting recognised standards, such as BNQ certification, provide verified protection.

Hockey Visors

A hockey visor is designed to shield the eyes and face from sticks, pucks, and debris. Attached to the helmet, it is constructed from clear, impact-resistant polycarbonate. A superior hockey visor should supply distortion-free vision with anti-fog or anti-scratch features for clear sight throughout play. Regular visor cleaning and inspection for scratches are necessary to ensure visibility and material integrity. Properly adjusted visors offer safety without compromising vision.

Comparing Ice Hockey Helmet Visor to "Full Cage"

A Full Cage offers comprehensive protection for the face, teeth, and eyes, essential in certain leagues and providing assurance during physical play. Despite being the heaviest option, potentially limiting vision and comfort for some players, it ensures robust protection.

Conversely, a visor delivers improved visibility, being a lighter and less restrictive choice. While offering more protection than no guard, it doesn't provide the full-face coverage of a Full Cage. Susceptible to fogging and scratches, visors also need careful handling to avoid damage.

Full-face visors, or "fishbowls," provide full face coverage with the benefit of clear vision.

Hockey Mouth Guards

A hockey mouth guard, also referred to as a dental guard, is effective in preventing dental injuries and minimising jaw impact. It should fit securely over the teeth without causing discomfort or obstructing breathing and speech. Custom-fitted or boil-and-bite designs offer a snug fit, with high-grade materials ensuring longevity and ease of cleaning.