answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

In August 1979, then president of the National Hockey League (NHL), John Ziegler, announced that protective helmets would become mandatory in the NHL. "The introduction of the helmet rule will be an additional safety factor," he said. The only exception to the rule are players -- after signing a waiver form -- who signed pro contracts prior to 1 June 1979.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

The 1979 NHL Draft class was the first group of players who had to wear a protective helmet. Veteran players, those in the league prior to 1979 were able to continue playing without helmets. The last player in the league to play under the "helmetless grandfather clause" was Craig MacTavish in 1997.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

It appears that helmets have always been a part of collegiate hockey. Helmets were not mandatory in the National Hockey League, however, until 1979. Even then, any player who had been playing prior to the rule was grandfathered in, and was allowed to play without a helmet.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

The helmet rule in the NHL was instituted for all new players entering the league in 1979. Existing players had the option to wear a helmet or not. The last NHL player to play helmetless was Craig MacTavish in 1997.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

NHL players started wearing helmets as soon as the the 1928-29 season when Boston Bruins' player George Owen wore one. However, they carried a negative stigma that they did not begin to shed until after Bill Masterson died after suffering severe brain trauma in 1968. After that players began wearing helmets more often and in 1979 the league mandated that any players who signed professional contracts after that date would be required to wear a helmet. Players already playing in the league were exempt from this new rule. Craig McTavish would be the last player to play in the NHL without a helmet, retiring after the 1996-97 season.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

Helmets became mandatory in the NHL in August of 1979. The only players exempt from the rule were those who signed a professional contract prior to June 1, 1979, and also signed a waiver allowing them to play without a helmet. The death of Minnesota North Stars player Bill Masterton in due to a head injury after being sent flying and hitting his head on the ice 1968 really changed players' stigma about helmets. By the time helmets were made mandatory in '79, 70% of players were already wearing them. The last player to play without a helmet was Craig MacTavish during the 1996-97 season.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Mouth guards are not mandatory in the NHL, but they are highly recommended because they protect your teeth and also soften blows to the head.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What year were helmets required in NHL?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

When were NFL players first required to wear helmets?

NFL players were first required to wear helmets in 1943. At the time, they were made of leather. They then went to being made of plastic and now are made of polycarbonate.


Is there a law that motorcyclist must were dot approved helmets?

In most states DOT helmets are required.


Who is not required to wear safety helmets?

Sikhs


Why are there no manufacturer logos on the sides of NHL helmets?

because the teams pay them not to so that they could have their logos


What safety equipment for climbers is required by gym?

helmets


Are landscape contractors required to wear helmets?

Lanscape contractors are not required to wear helmets. However, many do elect to do so when working on projects wear their head is exposed.


Can you wear a dirt helmet on the street?

All helmets must be DOT approved and have the DOT sticker on them, in the US, when helmets are required.


Are bicycle helmets required in TV ads?

If the adverts are filmed in an area where helmets are not required, then no. The area could be closed roads or private property within an area that does require helmets, and depending on the regulations this may make the helmets unnecessary. However, some advertisers would not want to create the impression that they are breaching rules, so may follow regulations despiteno being required to do so.


Do you need helmets for beach cruizers?

If required by your state for bikes.


Why are NHL players required to wear helmets?

For protection. A baseball is a pretty hard object and should it hit you in the head travelling 80-90 miles per hour, the damage could be life threatening. The helmet helps cushion the blow and injuries are much less severe.


Are motorcyclists in California required to wear helmets?

Yes, mc riders in the entire state of Ca. are required to wear DOT approved helmets although enforcement of the DOT requirement is virtually non-existent. Many riders including myself use what are commonly known as "novelty" helmets.


What are the size requirements on safety helmets?

Safety helmets are required to cover the entire surface of the skull's top, which means they are supposed to be as big as the diameter of the wearer's head.