NHL Warns Teams Against Taking Warmups Without Helmets
The National Hockey League (NHL) is reminding teams that helmets are mandatory during warmups, as stated in Rule 9.6, which was amended in 2022 to prioritize player safety. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly emphasized that the league will be sending out a memo to reinforce this rule, particularly for players who entered the NHL in the 2019-2020 season or later. According to Daly, this move is aimed at ensuring the well-being of all players, especially rookies who may be more vulnerable to injuries during pre-game warmups.
Recent Incidents Spark Concern
Recently, several teams have been spotted taking warmups without helmets, sparking concern among league officials. The Ottawa Senators, for instance, skated out without helmets in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights, which they eventually won 4-3 in a shootout. Forward Shane Pinto revealed that the team decided to ditch their helmets as a way to change their luck in Vegas, where they had lost six consecutive games. Similarly, the San Jose Sharks also went without helmets in warmups, but unfortunately, their luck didn’t change, losing 4-3 to the Knights.
The New Jersey Devils, on the other hand, took a different approach, wearing hats instead of helmets during warmups to honor defenseman Brenden Dillon’s 1,000th NHL game. While these incidents may seem harmless, they highlight the need for the league to reiterate the importance of helmet safety during warmups. As Daly noted, the NHL is committed to protecting its players and ensuring a safe playing environment.
Rule 9.6: A Matter of Player Safety
Rule 9.6 clearly states that “all players who entered the NHL beginning with the 2019-2020 season or later” must wear helmets during pre-game warmups. The rule also exemptions for players who entered the league prior to the 2019-2020 season, who are “grandfathered” in and not required to wear helmets. The NHL’s decision to mandate helmet usage in warmups was made with player safety in mind, particularly in light of concerns surrounding rookies who may be more susceptible to injuries during pre-game warmups.
According to the NHL, the amended rule is designed to minimize the risk of head injuries and ensure that all players are protected during warmups. By reminding teams of the importance of helmet safety, the league is reaffirming its commitment to player well-being and safety. As the NHL continues to prioritize player safety, it is essential for teams to adhere to Rule 9.6 and ensure that all players are properly equipped during warmups.
