[OttawaFreeper]

I’ve said the same thing about the NHL. If I had my way, that league would randomly select two or three games (it could be a Saturday night marquee tilt between the Leafs and Canadiens or a weeknight one between Arizona and Dallas). Only 1970s sized shoulder and elbow pads would be permitted and three players on each side would be allowed a selection of a 1972 CCM helmet (Paul Henderson style) or 1975 Cooper (Billy Harris or Steve Shutt) or 1984 Jofa 235 (Wayne Gretzky). Everyone else (including the referees and linesmen) would not be wearing helmets or shields. I’d like to see if the players would then be so interested in slamming someone head or face first into the boards or glass or clothesline them with an elbow and get the stick into it as well (probably not very likely).

[Alberta's Child]

I'd say helmets and shields are absolutely necessary in hockey ... and I say that as someone who plays the game. They provide protection against injuries without encouraging the player to be reckless during the course of play.

I agree about the shoulder and elbow pads, though. I also think the NHL should require players to use wooden sticks. One of the biggest factors in the increased size and strength of padding in hockey has been the increased exposure to injury from players shooting pucks harder than ever before.