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Face masks
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2026 10:55 am
by jdh
Anyone remember what year full face masks became mandatory for MN high school hockey?
Re: Face masks
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2026 1:09 pm
by ryguyMN
Trying to find an answer. NCAA implemented the full cage rule in 1978.
https://www.ncaa.org/news/2012/6/8/ice- ... ields.aspx
Based on researching vintage photos over at Vintage Minnesota Hockey, MSHSL players started wearing the full mask in the 1978 state tourney, so my guess would be 1977-78 season was the first year.
Re: Face masks
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2026 2:48 pm
by jdh
I found a pic of Grand Rapids from 1974 and they didn’t have the masks.
Re: Face masks
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2026 7:21 am
by xy
An older brother who was a senior in 1976-77 told me they were deemed optional for that year, before becoming mandatory the next year. My hazy recollection is that very few if any players exercised that option in 76-77.
Re: Face masks
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2026 5:26 pm
by norcon
Mandatory 77-78. My senior year.