Relative impact-attenuating properties of face masks of ice hockey goaltenders

Abstract

One of the most dangerous positions in ice hockey is goaltending, a function which exposes the player to the possibility of being struck on the face by a frozen, sharp-edged, hard rubber puck that weighs 4 oz (114.6 g) and travels at speeds as high as 110 mph (177 km per hr). It has been only in the past 10 years that most goaltenders have worn protective face masks. Because of the lack of objectively founded design recommendations, a wide array of shapes, sizes, and materials have been used in these masks. A sampling of masks appears in Figure 1; a brief description of the features of those tested is given

Financial support for this program was provided by a University of Waterloo Research Grant and by the Department of Kinesiology.

in Table 1. For improvement of comfort, fit, and protection, some masks have thin “shims,” also seen in Figure 1, made of closed cell foam, rubber, felt, leather, or combinations of these materials. These shims may be attached to the inside of the mask by the manufacturer or they may be supplied separately, to be attached by the player. Many goaltenders do not even use the shims but wear one of the popular, face-molded masks directly against whatever support points it happens to contact.