[News] Bobby Orr believes the game has become too dangerous

[CliffFletcher]

So we're agreed that the opinion of anyone over 50 is worthless?

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

Young lawyers are the worst.

fyp

[GirlySports]

they should go to international ice, keep the game fast while making it harder to hit.

Every year I watch the Worlds and even a game between France and Belarus looks fast. Imagine NHL games.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Reaper

The shell disperses the impact of the hit. The multilam layering from top to bottom goes medium density foam/ high density foam/plastic shell/high density foam/low density foam.

At this stage, removing the shell is dangerous to the wearer as the cap plays a huge role in protecting the shoulders and elbows. It disperses the impact evenly as opposed to taking the full brunt of it in a smaller area. It also provides some engineered movement to absorb impact in some of the newer pads. Take out the cap and you will see a huge increase in injuries as there will be more pointed impacts. Some players avoid the hit and some players absorb the hit.

Those that choose to absorb the hit will be more susceptible to injury. Imagine losing a player for 20 games just for taking a run of the mill legal shoulder check. The players are bigger and hit harder than ever before.

If you want to stick with the 1998 Don Cherry argument then fill your boots but you're mistaken.

You are supposed to be leading with your elbows in hits?

Maybe it's arguable that we need a hard shell on the shoulders. Although I don't see why a softer material wouldn't be equally if not more shock absorbing, but the elbow?

Is there honestly no softer material whatsoever that would fulfill the same shock absorbing function?

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by blankall

You are supposed to be leading with your elbows in hits?

I never said that but if you're heading towards the ice odds are pretty good that you will pull your arms forwards if going forwards and back if you're falling backwards in attempts to break your fall.

Originally Posted by blankall

Maybe it's arguable that we need a hard shell on the shoulders. Although I don't see why a softer material wouldn't be equally if not more shock absorbing, but the elbow?

A pad could be made out of softer material but the effect would be like wearing a pillow on your elbow. Nice and soft but bulky and not very mobile.

Originally Posted by blankall

Is there honestly no softer material whatsoever that would fulfill the same shock absorbing function?

A committee of players, officials and equipment manufacturer's representatives worked towards a solution and 1/2" inch of foam on the outside of the shell was deemed to be the appropriate treatment in 2002.

Do you somehow think you're a better expert on the matter than pro players, NHL officials and those who develop protective equipment or do you just need someone to take you to your appointment to yell at clouds?