Hockey Helmets & Head Protection

Hockey Helmets and Head Protection

Explore hockey helmets, visors, mouthguards, and neck guards – all crafted to shield your head from impact and boost safety when engaging in ice hockey.

Ice hockey Helmets

The helmet stands as the essential piece of protective gear in ice hockey. Players are vulnerable to head injuries in various ways during matches. Collisions with opponents, falls on the ice, and hits from a puck are frequent risks in the sport. Considering the high-impact nature of the game, where these situations are commonplace and pucks may travel up to 160 km/h, wearing a helmet is unquestionably vital.

The Right Fit for an Ice hockey Helmet

Ice hockey helmets must achieve a perfect balance of a close fit without causing uncomfortable pressure points. A correctly fitted helmet remains secure during play.

It should sit level on the head, fully covering the top of the forehead.
It should not shift or slide when you move your head.
The chin strap must be fastened beneath the chin while allowing comfortable mouth movement.

Ice hockey Helmet Certifications

Ice hockey helmets are required to meet strict standards. The prevalent certifications include:

HECC: An American standard tailored to ice hockey helmets. HECC signifies the Hockey Equipment Certification Council, assuring adequate head injury protection and is compulsory for players under USA Hockey's governance.
CSA: The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) enforces thorough testing for shock absorption, vision field, durability, and construction quality. A helmet with a CSA label is approved for use in hockey under Hockey Canada's jurisdiction.
CE: Within the EU, there is no specific hockey helmet certification. Nonetheless, ice hockey helmets sold in the EU must adhere to CE marking under the overarching Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) directive.

Ice hockey players in the EU should seek helmets with HECC and CSA certifications when making purchases.

Hockey Neck Guards

A hockey neck guard defends the throat and upper neck from ice skate blades, pucks, and sticks. Usually, it is constructed from cut-resistant materials with a soft, padded interior for comfort.

When selecting a hockey neck guard, ensure it covers critical areas without limiting movement or breathing. Certified products meeting recognised standards, like BNQ certification, deliver assured protection.

Hockey Visors

A hockey visor offers protection for the eyes and face from sticks, pucks, and debris. It attaches to the helmet and is crafted from transparent, impact-resistant polycarbonate. High-quality visors should ensure distortion-free vision and possess anti-fog or anti-scratch coatings for unobstructed visibility during play. Regular cleaning and checking for scratches that might impair vision or weaken the material are recommended. Well-fitted visors strike a balance between safety and clear vision.

Ice hockey Helmet Visor vs "Full Cage"

A Full Cage for hockey provides full facial protection, securing the face, teeth, and eyes from pucks and sticks. It's compulsory in certain leagues and boosts player confidence in physical play without fearing injury. However, it is the heaviest option, can slightly hinder vision, and might feel restrictive to some players.

A visor enhances visibility, is lighter, and less restrictive. While it offers more protection than having no face guard, it doesn't provide the comprehensive security of a Full Cage. Visors are prone to fogging, scratching over time, and require careful storage to avoid damage.

Full-face visors, known as "fishbowls," deliver optimal protection by covering the entire face while ensuring clear visibility.

Hockey Mouthguards

A hockey mouthguard, also referred to as a dental guard, aids in preventing dental injuries and mitigates the risk of jaw impacts. It should fit snugly over the teeth without discomfort or hampering breathing and speech. Custom-moulded or boil-and-bite designs offer a close fit, while top-quality materials ensure enduring durability and uncomplicated cleaning.