Goalie Mask Rules

Hall of Fame goaltender Jacques Plante once responded to those who called him cowardly for wearing a goalie mask, saying, "If you jump from an airplane without a parachute, is that considered an act of bravery?" Since Plante introduced his mask in 1959, this vital piece of equipment has undergone a lot of design changes. And despite injuries and frightening accidents like the sliced jugular that nearly ended Buffalo Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk's life in 1989, the rules governing goalie masks have seen little change or expansion.

  1. NHL Rule

    • The entirety of the NHL's stance on goalie masks is expressed in two short sentences in the rulebook: "Protective masks of a design approved by the League may be worn by goalkeepers. Protective masks deemed to be worn only to increase stopping area will be considered illegal."

      Technically, masks aren't even mandated by the NHL. Since Andy Brown went bare-faced for the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 7, 1974, though, no NHL goalie has gone without one.

    NCAA Rules

    • The NCAA is renowned for being more strict with equipment rules. After all, half-masks are allowed for 17-year-olds in junior hockey, but older college players must still wear a full cage. They can dispense with that as soon as they join the pro ranks. That reputation for safety above all, though, doesn't apply to goalie masks. In fact, the NCAA rules do not specifically mention goalie masks. The only applicable rule in the NCAA rulebook reads, "With the exception of skates and stick, all equipment worn by the goalkeeper must be constructed solely for the purpose of protecting the head or body." Further through the book, there is this telling suggestion: "It is recommended that all goalkeepers wear a goalie helmet with wire cage that has met the standards established by HECC. Form-fitting masks are not permitted. It is recommended that goalkeepers wear a
      throat protector." The HECC is the Hockey Equipment Certification Council, an independent body that inspects all models of gear to certify their safety.

      As with the NHL, the NCAA does not even mandate the wearing of a goalie mask; it only strongly suggests it. However, there are mentions sprinkled throughout that states all players in the bench area or on the ice must have a wire cage on their helmet.

    IIHF Rules

    • The International Ice Hockey Federation does mandate the wearing of helmets and masks for goalies. The noticeable difference is Rule 234 of the IIHF rulebook that allows goalies to wear "cat's-eye" models of masks in international competition. A cat's-eye model has a wider opening around the eyes to allow for better vision. Many other leagues have not approved this model for use.

    Losing The Mask

    • If the goalie should lose his helmet or mask during play of an NHL game, the play can be whistled dead to allow him to retrieve it only if his team has possession of the puck. If the other team has possession, play can be whistled dead if there is no imminent scoring opportunity for the other team.
      By IIHF rules, play is whistled dead when the goalie loses his mask, regardless of possession.