So my girlfriend's asking about whether or not it's mandatory to wear mouth guards in the NHL for a project she's doing in her PR program. She's showing interest in hockey (even if it is just equipment) so I clearly need to jump all over this.

Only problem is I can't find anything saying whether or not it is currently mandatory to wear one. I found something saying it wasn't in 2009. Anyone able to help with this or know where I should look?

Thanks in advance!

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good question, i know they are not mandatory in our local hockey association (minor hockey), but they are recommended. Something about not proven to decrease concussions significantly enough to mandate wearing them.

I'd suggest looking up the official rules on NHL.com but I can assure you that they are not mandatory.

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Yeah, that whole preventing concussions myth is ridiculous.

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ive had kids get concussed this year with thier mg's in so yeah, its bogus. funny enough though ALL Kthe kids, mine included, are wearing them, i guess it does save potential dental work

The fact that mouth guards aren't relevant to concussions doesn't mean they aren't a good idea... ask anyone who has chipped/cracked teeth or almost bitten through their tongue in a collision...

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Okay, so maybe nobody likes a cynic, but everybody f**king hates those perky optimists!

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Oh for sure, they absolutely serve a purpose. You're speaking to someone with three front teeth busted in half. Anything to spare people having to deal with that is a positive. I'm just not a fan of spreading falsehood to help promote a cause even if it's benevolent.

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never said they were foolish, just not to prevent concussions. my kids are wearing them for the excat reason you mentioned...mouth protection

Where do you stand on telling kids if they're good Santa will bring them presents?

I agree that the myth needs to be dispelled... nothing worse than a false sense of safety for making people careless.

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Okay, so maybe nobody likes a cynic, but everybody f**king hates those perky optimists!

... and anyway, I make a damn good cynic.