In 1974-75, there were 258 eye injuries, including 43 blinded eyes. By 1996-97, with some sort of facial protection required for all players, those numbers had dipped to 12 and three. None were wearing a full face shield. In the United States, high school and college players must wear full facial protection. Bobcats coach John Becanic would like to see that rule changed.
Many junior players take off the headgear at their first chance.
Ten had no facial protection at all. Ronning, of course, was one of them. I didn't like it very much. Impaired vision, ironically, is the most common reason players give for forgoing facial protection. Problems range from decreased peripheral vision, fogging, scratching and sweat dripping down the shields.