[rlmorel]

Yes.

Today, a stick to the head/helmet barely makes players blink, but back then, a stick up there was retaliated by dropping the gloves, and the Refs certainly took greater notice of it too.

[Alberta's Child]

Sticks to the head aren't really the problem anymore.

The speed of the players on skates and the velocity of the puck are the biggest reasons why helmets are necessary and why face protection will only increase over time.

The NHL couldn't possibly consider reducing the head/face protection requirements without first going back and mandating the use of wooden sticks.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Old time hockey. Eddie Shore (The Clymer);

https://www.nhl.com/news/first-nhl-all-star-game-in-1934-played-to-benefit-ace-bailey-330470808