Bauer Hockey has announced a new line of face-shield products aimed at keeping players safe in the event that hockey returns to the ice this fall.
The company, which earlier this spring began producing medical-grade face shields for front-line workers, is taking what it learned from that endeavour and applying it back to hockey, with specially-designed shields for players, coaches and fans, alike, according to a news release on Wednesday (June 17).
It鈥檚 hoped that the new products can spur forward hockey鈥檚 return which, given the difficulties of physical-distancing in a contact sport, has encountered a few challenges other sports have not had to deal with.
The on-ice shield for players is called the Bauer Concept 3 Splash Guard, which is similar to the traditional helmet shield, but are designed 鈥渢o enhance coverage around the mouth and maintain a high level of vision and breathability.鈥�
The Concept 3 guard is expected to be available in stores by August.
鈥淚t was a natural pivot for our team to shift from protecting players to members of the medical community in a time of crisis, and now we鈥檙e looking to continue our mission of protection as communities re-open and sports return,鈥� said Craig Desjardins, vice president of product for Bauer Hockey.
Bauer announced two new products designed for those in the stands 鈥� the Integrated Cap Shield which attaches to a hat and a reversible fabric mask.
Bauer has also partnered with Canlan Ice Sports 鈥� which operates sports facilities across the country, including in B.C. 鈥� and all three new products will be used by Canlan鈥檚 staff, the release noted.
While professional hockey has its own set of challenges as it aims to return to the ice 鈥� Vancouver has been floated as a possible 鈥榟ub city鈥� for the NHL鈥檚 return 鈥� it is unlikely to affect minor hockey鈥檚 return.
鈥淭otally two separate scenarios, but that would be a question for the Health Authority who are outlining both situations,鈥� BC Hockey鈥檚 Keegan Goodrich said in an email to Black Press Media this week.
Earlier this month, the provincial government also passed a cabinet order protecting amateur sports organizations from COVID-19-related liability.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.
