Comments on: Player numbers will be added to helmets to help identify NHLers

By: lewdood

lewdood — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:15:08 +0000

Makes sense, because for most NHL teams this would be the only front-facing #’s on their entire uniform. Football, basketball and many baseball teams have front-facing #’s for identification, and speaking from experience doing stats& PA for all sports, the front-facing #’s will be a major help to refs and the officials in the scoring booth.

By: 1943mrmojorisin1971

1943mrmojorisin1971 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:43:49 +0000

Pretty unnecessary, probably won’t last long

By: pensfan1

pensfan1 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:52:36 +0000

I don’t see where it is an issue and may help just as the NHL describes. How many times have we seen the wrong guy head to the box only to see it changed to the right guy before play restarts? Someone missed it. Football and baseball players don’t need it – half the time they’re standing still. From a fan’s point of view, if the big numbers don’t stand out then adding something to their helmet or hat won’t help. (Don’t know what will help referees and umps for those guys but don’t think adding numbers will do it).
I’ve been watching live NHL hockey for 45 years and have watched the game evolve. You used to be able to follow the game by watching the puck all over the ice to the net. That was before helmets and armored pads when the emphasis seemed more on puck handling and skill than strength and speed. Those aspects still exist but the play has moved to faster, stronger, and better equipped players. Now if I want to see the puck in the net I need to start looking at the net when it crosses the blue line or I might miss it. Now it’s forget the puck – follow and anticipate the player or you won’t see it. The game is that much faster.
I don’t agree with everything the rules guys dream up but in this case who cares?

By: sknut

sknut — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:11:19 +0000

Is the reason they waited to announce this so the potential criticism is minimal since most people will be focusing on the start of the season. To me its no big deal either way.

By: bigbear42

bigbear42 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:10:06 +0000

The only thing I can think of is it will help players find their helmets after brawls

By: icelovinbrotha215

icelovinbrotha215 — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:55:11 +0000

Well for starters, when Simmers was yelling at Avery, he didn’t have his helmet on. So your point of identification is moot. That being said, idk how much more of a difference having numbers on front of the helmet will help. I mean, it doesn’t hurt to try but will this helmet eliminate bad/missed calls? Nope. I don’t see the point in this potential move.