NHL Looking at Plastic Skate Shields

NHL examining plastic skate shields, soft-cap shoulder pads, better helmets as solutions to wave of injuries sweeping up star players early in the season

Kris King, the NHL's senior director of hockey operations, had what at first appears to be an odd looking piece of equipment on his desk in Toronto this week.


It's a clear, plastic shield, shaped like a skate boot, complete with lace holes and Velcro fasteners. The function is obvious: To help prevent foot injuries.

The shield is one of several new innovations surfacing as the pro game deals with a rash of injuries that are claiming star players.

King, as he always does with new equipment developments, will give the shield careful consideration. He's not out to endorse it, just clear it so players and executives can be assured the shield is functional, but won't radically alter the game.

The shield was brought to King by Detroit equipment manager Paul Boyer, who currently has three players wearing them: Nik Kronwall, Patrick Eaves and Brad Stuart.

Source: The Star.com