A Return to the Age of the Hockey Cage

In the game of hockey, like in any sport, injuries will occur. It is as guaranteed as the Rolling Stones going on another world tour.

There are ways to prevent a serious injury, but at times so many things out of your control have to align.

Players have become bigger, stronger, faster and the equipment at times looks like  something that could be worn by a Star Wars storm trooper.

So after the tragic events that unfolded Friday night in the Kitchener Rangers' 4-0 win over the Erie Otters, that has left 16-year-old Rangers defenceman Ben Fanelli in critical condition, I got to thinking.

Would it have happened if the CHL made it mandatory for players to wear full face protection?

Ultimately, it comes down to respect amongst the players, as the hit was malicious on the part of Erie's 20-year-old Michael Liambas, who had Fanelli lined up from the faceoff circle as he threw himself into the young defenceman behind the net.

But with all the talk of players respecting each other in the NHL, throwing vicious headshots on a nightly basis, why would it be any different in the junior leagues as these are the players that youngsters inspire to be.

A helmet and cage combo could pop off in a hit for sure, but it makes it a little less likely.

In any case, with a serious injury like the one suffered to Fanelli there are bound to be questions arise like what could have been done to prevent it from happening.

We can only hope for answers.

It could be as simple as bearing a cage?

Hopefully this incident will make players think twice before trying to eliminate an opponent who is in a fragile position.

My thoughts and prayers go out to young Ben Fanelli and his family.