NHL weighs in on the possibility of full face shields for players when season resumes

There are still many things to be determined before the NHL officially returns to finish of the 2019-20 season, if it returns at all. Many things remain up in the air as negotiations continue between the NHL and NHLPA. One thing that seems certain, though is that neither side is interested in having players return in full face shields as an added precaution against the spread of COVID-19.

According to ESPN, equipment changes of any kind are not part of the discussions between the league and its players. Instead, the focus has been on testing and other off-ice safety precautions. That's according to an anonymous source involved in the discussions who spoke to the Associated Press. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly has also said he doesn't anticipate any mandatory equipment changes to ensure player safety.

However, while players appear to be exempt from wearing face shields or masks as added protection, that may not be the case for coaches, executives and team personnel. ESPN says Bauer has spoken with the league and teams about medical-grade off-ice visors.

"There's been a lot of interest," Mary-Kay Messier, Bauer vice president of global marketing told ESPN. "Craig and I have actually had a lot of calls with NHL teams as they consider how to bring back their teams -- their entire teams and everyone that surrounds them -- safely, particularly in situations where they're looking at being hub cities where there'll be a lot of interaction."

"There's quite a lot of yelling from coaches," Messier said, "So when you think about and you talk about that yelling or loud talking that you are at greater risk for the droplets, I would say it is a very viable option at a lot of different levels."

The NHL has yet to officially announce the two hub cities that will host teams for the Return to Play 24-team format. However, several reports have indicated that Vegas is a done deal, with the second host likely to be in Canada. Vancouver and Toronto appear to be the frontrunners.

Source: ESPN

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