You can in-fact wear a full cage in the NHL. The reason why players do not wear a cage is because it obstructs vision.
For a while he didn't have to, but then the NHL required the use of a helmet.
Craig MacTavish.
fiber glass
Although goalies used to play bare headed, in the modern NHL a goalie losing his helmet results in an immediate stoppage in play.
the diving rule was introduced to the NHL in 2010 sept,11
Craig MacTavish was the last "bare-headed" NHL player. He retired after the 1996-97 season and is currently the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.
The green dot is the result of a new rule in effect for the 2007 NFL season. The green dot helmet indicates that the helmet is wired with a radio for calling in plays to the quarterback. Only one player with a radio is allowed on the field at a time. The green dot on a helmet signifies a player who has a radio receiver in his helmet.
Yes, this helmet is used by much of the NHL and I have this helmet playing AA and no problems so far. I love it! Looks good too!
Zdeno Chara
That distinction goes to George Owen, Boston Bruins defenseman. He had played football while in college and when he entered the NHL in 1928 he wore the same leather helmet that he had worn in college when playing football.
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.