As players return to the ice for Evaluations or practice, they may be wearing their equipment for the first time since last season. Straps and fasteners could need to be adjusted for growing bodies in order to provide a safe, secure fit. This is also an important time to remind all those involved with player safety about the proper ways to wear your equipment.
OMHA has highlighted a few areas of concern that should be focused on. Safety is and has always been considered a shared responsibility among Trainers, Coaches, Officials, Parents and Players. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring safety for all our participants.
In light of recent trends in equipment being worn improperly - specifically, helmet facemasks, mouthguards, neck guards and the goalie throat protector, commonly referred to as the ‘dangler’ – we’ve created a guide for all participants to show the correct ways to wear your equipment.
On-ice officials will be enforcing Hockey Canada rules related to the use of illegal equipment, which address both not wearing the piece of equipment, and not wearing it properly, with the ability to call penalties.