Helmets have an expiry date

Hockey helmets, like almost all consumer products, have a life cycle. The inner padding and the plastic shell components lose their protective capability over time and are less effective in preventing injury. The helmet is often a neglected piece that isn’t considered perishable. It’s often assumed to be indestructible and, until it fails and injury results, it isn’t given much thought. While it is important that coaches and parents ensure that all protective equipment worn by players is in good condition, the helmet often escapes vigilance. There is a small sticker on the back of the helmet that has the maximum effective date on it. Once the product ages beyond that date it has to be replaced. To continue to wear it in games is not only dangerous, it also violates the rules of the game. With the traditional gift-giving period coming up now is an opportune time to check those helmets and replace the ones that are out of date. Your player will not only be more comfortable, but a lot safer too.