Could NHL require players to use protective masks in resumption?

There is optimism that hockey will return soon, but there are still questions as to exactly what it will look like. Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Could NHL require players to use new protective masks in season resumption?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/17/20

Will the NHL require players to wear full face shields when games resume at some point this summer or fall? It's possible.

While there's been no word on specific equipment players may have to wear when group training resumes on July 10, BAUER Hockey has designed a new face shield to keep players safe in their return to action.

To help facilitate a safe return to hockey, we‘ve created a Concept 3 Splash Guard which fits our Concept 3 player face mask to provide additional splash protection around the mouth while maintaining a high level of vision and breathability. It is scheduled to be available in Aug pic.twitter.com/KFV3bPdGbL
— BAUER Hockey (@BauerHockey) June 17, 2020

Releasing on-ice protective equipment isn't the only thing BAUER has designed for COVID-19 protection. They also announced the release of an integrated cap shield which also will be available in August.

We are excited to introduce the Integrated Cap Shield, which can be worn over a baseball cap or alone, offering coverage with a built-in Anti-Fog treatment. It complies with ANSI Standards for protection against splash and splatter, and droplet resistance. Available in early Aug. pic.twitter.com/rBBh4CujNy
— BAUER Hockey (@BauerHockey) June 17, 2020

It's possible the NHL requires players to wear the new on-ice shield designed by BAUER, though they'd have to agree to it and many players probably won't want to wear it. It's more realistic that they be required to wear the integrated cap shield when they aren't on the ice and are traveling to and from their hotel facilities.

The league currently is in Phase 2 of its return-to-play-plan and players have resumed skating in a limited capacity. They'll be able to resume full group training next month, which could mean games could return as early as August.

Two hub cities are expected to be announced on June 22, and Las Vegas is rumored to be one of the cities chosen while a Canadian city will be chosen as the other location.

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