First I need to thank you for everything, shouting from your bully pulpit and helping true change happen. For those of us who have been shouting into the wind on this issue for years you have done so much in a relatively short period of time.

I have a question though, goalie masks..the back of the mask just does not protect the back of that noggin. How many netties have we seen get concussions when the back of their heads hit a post or cross bar? Are there any plans for the goalie masks to be looked at for possible redesign? Although the mask probably has a multitude of issues that the standard helmet does not I have to believe that somehow that salad plate in the back could be improved upon.

Thank you,
Jane Rickard
Call of the Wild, ChicagoNow.com

Until types like Mr. Messier and Don Cherry get on board, this issue it will always remain untalked about. It’s not enough to only make this a grass roots level issue but where it will get the most exposure is at the NHL level. You get the NHL players wearing a M11 with a tight chinstrap it sends positive reinforcement to younger players that if the pros do it then I will to. Watching Game 2 of the Habs/Penguins and seeing Sidney Crosby and how loose his chinstrap is makes me wonder what type of message is he is sending out to all the Tidbit players that idolize him.

I’m currently watching the Windsor Spitfires and Barrie Colts as I type this and there are allot of Junior players that have loose chinstrap. The sad part is they have a rule regarding chinstraps and they don’t enforce it.

Ian Laperriere recently and unfortunatly took a puck to an eye while blocking a shot. After the incident he said that he would wear a visor because he owned it to his family to do everything to protect himself for not only his sake but for his family as well. The same can be said of wearing a helmet like the M11 with a visor and a tight chinstrap. Ask any player who has had a serious concussion. Just getting out of bed made them sick. Try explaining to your kids why you can’t bend over and pick them up without getting dizzy and sick. Players at every level of hockey owe it to their families to protect themselves because every family needs a husband/father or Wife/mother. More needs to be done and I don’t see that happening yet. Please Mr. Messier go on TV and start talking about need for a helmet like the M11 and tight chinstraps.

Champions Choice on Old Seward Highway in Anchorage carries the M11. You can also call Cascade Sports and order directly or purchase via such sites as Total Hockey or Hockey Monkey.

Best,
Audra

Best,
Audra

Troy Truax