Referees' decision leaves NHL player feeling unsafe

This new rule isn’t all that popular with the players, what’s your take?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Referees' decision leaves NHL player feeling unsafe
KeyStone Press

A grandfathered rule has been around in the National Hockey League since 2013, stating that all rookies going forward must wear visors, and now more than 90 per cent of players now sport them.

We can say that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov is ...kind of ... following the rule. But NHL referees were strict on Tuesday and gave him an ultimatum. Komarov is well known for wearing his visor high up on his helmet, to the point where it guards his forehead and not much else. The referees decided it wasn't allowed anymore. 

“The ref told me they changed some rules and to keep it down,” Komarov explained to Sportsnet. “I don’t see through it. That’s the reason I’m wearing it up there.

“So it’s not like I’m being cocky or anything. It’s how I play forever. So I took it off, but I don’t feel safe without it, so we’ll see what’s going to happen.”

The 30-year-old removed the visor in the first period upon the referee’s demand, but said he didn’t feel safe afterward. He added that it felt awkward skating without it but it’s something he’ll have to get used to.

Coach Mike Babcock disagree with his forward's choice and was adamant about it. 

“I just said it to him, ‘You’ve got young kids at home. You’ve got your eyes. Pull your visor down, get used to it in practice and put it on.’ Simple.”

Clearly, this new rule isn’t all that popular with the players, what’s your take?

Source: Sportsnet