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An infectious disease specialist suggested on Monday that for hockey to be played safely amid the coronavirus pandemic, extreme measures may be needed, including players wearing full-face shields.
Vancouver Canucks prospect Brogan Rafferty is the first player to publicly question the idea.
“If that’s the case, a lot of players will be upset with it,” Rafferty told The Province's Ben Kuzma on Tuesday. “A lot of guys don’t even wear a visor, and to have them put a full-face shield on, is not going to go over well - and I can kind of guarantee that.”
The NHL began grandfathering in visors in 2013.
Rafferty played the 2019-20 campaign in the AHL, where he was able to wear a visor. But he spent the previous three seasons at Quinnipiac University, where NCAA rules forced him to wear a full-face shield.
“It’s tough in college when you’re breathing and have that extra layer blocking your face and keeping air from getting into your system,” Rafferty said. “That was an adjustment and it took me a good week or two just to get used to that. With a visor, your peripheral vision is a lot better and when you look down at your skates, you don’t have that (full shield) guard there.
“And I don’t see the point of having to wear a clear face mask. You’re going to be around your team anyway and everyone will probably be tested, so I don’t see the merit in my opinion.”
Despite the suggestion from a medical expert, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly doesn't think drastic changes will be needed if the league is able to resume play.
"We would consider anything our infectious disease experts and advisors might recommend," Daly said. "But I'm not sure given the circumstances of our game that any dramatic modifications will really be necessary."
The 24-year-old Rafferty finished third among AHL defensemen with 45 points in 57 games this campaign after the AHL officially canceled the remainder of its season on Monday. He's played two career NHL games, both with the Canucks in 2018-19.
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