The Colorado Avalanche will reportedly implement a rule that would have all players on the team be required to wear helmets during pre-game warm-ups, according to Sportsnet’s Marc Spector.
This comes just two days after a gruesome injury to Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall in Columbus.
On Tuesday, prior to the Oilers game against the Blue Jackets, Hall — who was not wearing a helmet at the time — tripped on a puck and slid into the boards. As defenceman Corey Potter attempted to jump over Hall, the blade of his skate landed on the 20-year-old’s face. Hall was rushed to the dressing room where a plastic surgeon stitched him up.
Many believe if Hall was wearing a helmet the injury could have been avoided, or at least not as severe. This has raised discussion about whether or not helmets should be made mandatory during pre-game warm-ups. It appears Colorado could be the first team to implement such a rule since Hall’s accident.
The Avalanche are no strangers to head injuries as one of their top stars, Peter Mueller, returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing the entire 2010-11 season with a head injury.
In other Avalanche news, forward Brandon Yip has been claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators.
Should it be mandatory for players to wear helmets during pre-game warm-ups?
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