GMs will target helmets, head shots: Hotstove
Last Updated: Sunday, November 8, 2009 | 2:23 AM ET
By Mihira Lakshman, CBC Sports
NHL general managers will get a sneak peek at new helmet designs and examine ways to stop head shots when they meet next week, Hockey Night in Canada contributor Pierre LeBrun revealed during Saturday's Hotstove segment.
League officials are looking for ways to keep helmets from coming off during bodychecks and fights.
Many players, such as Calgary's Jarome Iginla, don't like to wear visors because they wouldn't want to fight while wearing the partial shield, LeBrun said.
New helmet designs, including one that features a snap-off visor, are under consideration.
The GMs will also look at a new double-layered helmet, which consists of a visor and hard shell on the outside and another hard shell on the inside. If a player wants to rip off the outer portion during a fight, he's still left with another helmet (without a visor) underneath.
The NHL is trying to make it safer for fighters, LeBrun said.
"You've got to think outside the box. Jacques Plante got laughed at 50 years ago when he put a mask on," LeBrun said.
"Someone died last year," LeBrun said when questioned about the radical changes, referring to to the death of Don Sanderson, who played in an Ontario senior league. Sanderson's helmet came off during a fight and his head hit the ice, causing fatal injuries.
Milbury demurs
HNIC analyst Mike Milbury doesn't think such radical changes are necessary.
"Someone is going to die every day. If you don't want to get hurt, then don't play the game," Milbury said.
"Guys have been playing this game at a high-speed forever, and that's when it's fun ... when these guys go after each other and play physically," he said.
The GMs will also look at how to stop the blind-side hits that are causing so much concern not only around the NHL, but also in junior hockey.
Milbury is skeptical.
"We've looked at those all the time," Milbury said. "And I think guys like [NHL disciplinarian] Colin Campbell know when you cross the line — and he punishes people appropriately."
But there are rarely penalties for hits to the head, and punishment often only comes from the NHL after the game is over in the form of a suspension, HNIC contributor David Shoalts said.
"The referees say there's nothing in the rules about a head shot," he said. "Maybe what they need to do is change that."
There's some support for a new rule that would penalize blind-side hits and shots to the head by making it a penalty to hit someone when you come from "outside his field of vision."
But hitting from behind is already a penalty, and Milbury thinks it could be too difficult for referees to determine if an offending player was coming from a player's blind spot.
Coaches need to teach players how to brace themselves better for a hit in the corners, Milbury said.
Trade rumours swirling
As the GMs prepare to debate the merits of new equipment and rule changes, trade rumours will also be on their minds.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle is generating some interest —potentially from the Chicago Blackhawks — after a torrid start to the season. Kaberle has 18 points in 16 games so far this season.
The New York Islanders could be getting ready to deal goaltender Martin Biron, as soon as starter Rick DiPietro returns from knee surgery. Biron has stated that he wants to be traded to a contender, rather than toil as a backup on the Islanders.
Also of note, it's still uncertain if the Great One will attend one of the NHL's marquee events Monday. Wayne Gretzky will make a decision Sunday on whether to attend the Hockey Hall of Fame inductions, LeBrun said.
All of the inductees are close to Gretzky and if he skips the event, it would be considered a big snub to the NHL, perhaps indicating his anger at how the league handled the Phoenix Coyotes insolvency.
