By JESS MYERS
The Debate Over Facial Protection
In College Hockey Seems To Be
Coming To A Head 26
TURNING THE ON THE CAGE? T
directly from college hockey to the NHL without a stopover in the minor leagues. In making the jump from college class- es to full-time work at Madison Square Garden, Stepan also received a new tool of
APRIL/MAY.2012 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM
he fall of 2010 was an eye- opening time for Derek Stepan. The New York Rangers forward joined an elite group of American skat- ers that made the transition
the trade, exchanging the full facemask he'd worn all of his life, including at the NCAA level, for a half shield that is commonly worn by many in pro hockey.
Other adult levels of the sport allow shields (sometimes called "visors," "half shields," and "three-quarter shields") to be worn by forwards and defensemen. But for the past 30 years or so, full facemasks of varying design have been required equip- ment in the college ranks.
PHOTOS BY Getty Image, USA Hockey
