Concerning Facemasks in Hockey

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#Concerning Facemasks in Hockey

"I can see a little bit, but I don't see really. It's not a big help for me, I just have to wait until it comes back," said Mattias Ohlund defensemen for the Vancouver Canucks. Right now, Ohlund, has limited vision, it comes and goes. He held his hand six inches from his face and he couldn't see it. He was struck in the eye with a puck in a preseason game way back in September, he still is unable to see some things. The injury occurred when an opposing player shot it and it hit the stick of one of Ohlund's own players and ricocheted and hit Ohlund right in the eye. He was considered the best all-around defensemen for the Canucks. He was expected to only miss 10-14 days but ended up missing the whole season. NHL officials said that if he were wearing an eye-shield or facemask, he would still be playing right now for his team continuing his career. He was asked if he were able to play again would he use a visor or a facemask. He answered, "I don't know yet, I'm sure my mom will make me though."

Another incident was with Toronto Maple Leaf Bryan Berard who was struck in the eye by the stick of the Ottawa Senator, Marian Hossa. Hossa was following through on a slap shot. It is unlikely that Berard will lose his eye. Berard has to get the blood removed from the eye and they have to see exactly how damaged the retina is. The eye cavity is filled with blood. He will need exploratory surgery. As ultrasound shows he has numerous other injuries to his eye. Dr. Rob Devenyi told ESPN that it is unclear on when he will return if he can still play. The blow of Hossa's stick caused a significant cut in the eye--nearly on inch. He can only see the difference between light and dark, Devenyi also said that he has seen players with similar injuries and they did return. ESPN asked Devenyi and Berard the question, "Would wearing a shield have prevented this injury?" Devenyi replied with., " Yes, there has never been a hockey injury such as this to a player wearing a shield." When ESPN asked Berard he said, "Yes, if I'm able to return, I will indeed be wearing an eye-shield."