In 1979, after years of resistance by NHL players, the NHL made helmets mandatory forá players entering the league. Veteran players that were currently helmet-less would be allowed to let their locks fly if they chose, but the goal was to have all players wearing helmets within five to 10 years.
Players like Guy Lafleur, Ron Duguay, Brad Marsh and many others refused to get on-board with the change and continued to let their hair fly in the face of the NHL. In fact, the last player to not wear a helmet was none other than former Edmonton Oiler defenseman and head coach, Craig Mactavish, who went helmet-less until 1997.
Looking back, mandating helmets was a ôno-brainerö (pardon the pun!), but it didnÆt happen overnight and the decision was ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Mark Ritter
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