For the life of me I can't figure out why any rec hockey player would not wear a face cage or at least a visor. At any level of play there's a possibility of injury to your eyes, whether it is an accidental high stick or re-directed puck. The recent Chris Pronger high sticking has brought up the issue at the NHL level. But, I had a personal account last night.
We were playing in a game that had playoff implications, so things were a little more serious than ususal. Mid-way through the 3rd period, our hardest shooting forward got a loose puck with the goalie out of position. He quickly fired a slap/snapshot toward the goal as an opposing defender was diving headfirst to blaock the shot. He blocked the shot alright, with his face. The problem is that he didn't have a face cage or visor. He was leaking oil pretty good from his right temple, and left a nice pool of blood on the ice. Apparently, he had an immediate black eye. I think the shot actually grazed his helmet so it could have been worse. But I'll be surprised if that guy is on the ice any time soon.
Last season, a slapshot was re-directed and nailed a guy in the face. Again, no cage or visor. In this case, a visor might not have helped as the puck went from knee height into his face with no time for reaction.
So, please wear some sort of face protection. I wouldn't want that on my conscience. Also, you really slow down the game when the refs have to stop and clean up your blood.
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