It's been a long time since NHL player Craig MacTavish has skated his way to fame – being the last player in the league to be helmetless. MacTavish began his career before helmets became mandatory, and a “grand father clause” allowed some players to remain bare-headed. Times have changed and now hockey helmets are the requirement. If the professionals need hockey helmets that means you do too!

How Hockey Helmets Help Us, Each And Every One

Hockey helmets are worn by players and goalies to protect the head from possible injury – say, a flying puck, a swinging stick or someone's body being hurled into the air. Hockey helmets comfortably grip a player's head internally by cupping the back of the head. A modern hockey helmet usually has a tool-free adjustment feature, while older models are adjusted by loosening screws on the side of the helmet. A helmet ideally fits a player snugly so that there is no looseness, shifting or any rotation. All of these things distract a player field of vision. Helmet comfort is very important in game play!

Hockey shells are usually made from vinyl nitrile, which is a strong substance that can absorb impact from almost anything on the ice: pucks, sticks, skates, ice falls and so on. Hockey helmets are usually worn with visors, and may be mandatory in some leagues. The NHL is said to be very strict on enforcing helmet laws; even a painted helmet or one with a decal sticker may be invalidated.

Types Of Hockey Helmets

There are many types of hockey helmets, from hockey goalie helmets with visors and masks, to mini hockey helmets. Unlike regulation hockey goalie helmets, mini helmets are for collector's and are not advised for professional use. They are ideal for keeping and for writing on – say an autograph from your favorite hockey player!

Among popular hockey helmets, there is the Jofa 690 Hockey Helmet Combo, the Bauer Hockey Helmets line, Fleece Hockey Helmets, CCM Hockey Helmets, Warrior Hockey Helmets and Nike Hockey Helmets. One of the most popular brands is the Cascade Hockey Helmet. The WCFH Field Hockey Helmet features 13 hole ventilation and a patented sized-liner system. It is also available in 15 choices of color and sizes ranging from extra extra extra small to extra large. There is also a Cascade Womens' field hockey helmet selection to choose from. Cascade Ice Hockey Helmets have sprung from the official Cascade Hockey League.

There are also numerous hockey helmet decals you can buy – thankfully not restricted in game play by the referees! Decals feature logos of all your favorite teams like the Atlanta Thrashers, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning.

Be nice to your face and wear a hockey mask next time you go out on the ice