Why don't NHL players wear full Visors/cages on there helmets?

Put one on and you will see why. They are big and bulky and block a good portion of your visibility. Sure, taking a puck to the face is the price you may pay, but hey, hockey players are the toughest players of any sport.

Leafsfan got the core of the answer correct, the NHL does not permit metal cages except in the case of injury.

From the NHL Rulebook:

9.6 Dangerous Equipment - The use of pads or protectors made of metal, or of any other material likely to cause injury to a player or goalkeeper, is prohibited. Referees have the authority to prohibit any equipment they feel may cause injury to any participants in the game. Failure to comply to the Referees’ instructions shall result in the assessment of a minor penalty for delay of game.

A mask or protector of a design approved by the League may be worn by a player who has sustained a facial injury.

The other issue is the stigma attached to wearing facial protection at that level. Players are perceived as being "not tough" if they would wear full facial protection. That is something that has happened in the past, first when players started wearing helmets and later when they began wearing visors.

Could that change in the future? I suppose it could. I do not think the league is that far from mandating visors. I believe it would be a long way off before we saw the possibility of full facial protection being mandated.

I play competitive men's league and constantly see my teammates getting whacked in the face...quickly followed by a trip to the ER and a nice medical bill. I lost a tooth due to a butt-end back in midgets so it's possible even with a cage (unlucky I suppose). One of the main reasons I've heard is due to the "Gladiator effect" in which you feel invincible with a mask coving your face, which inevitably makes you a little crazier on the ice. I can personally attest to this as I have no problem diving infront of a shot when my teammates would not dream of doing this with no protection. The ironic thing is every guy that has hit the ER to get stitched or hit up the dentist for a new set has showed up at the next game with a bird cage. Lol.

It is actually sad in my opinion they don't require atleast a half shield. Some should wear a full bar shield because they have an ugly face. LOL. Anyways, that is another reason I like college and HS hockey better, just looks cool to see the full shields on every player. You know how dumb it would look if NFL players went without bar masks? I think an NHL player looks just as goofy w/o one.

Most of it has been described, vision and flexibility purposes.

Another reason includes "being macho". Almost like the deal with visors years back when they first started to be seen on Helmets, and helmets themselves. Some hockey players see someone who would come on ice with something like that as being a wimp, being cowardly, etc, and that you have any balls, your going out without a cage.

For one, the league does not permit players to wear full facial protection unless they have a medical waiver permitting it.

For two, the NHLPA has had this discussion for years; they ultimately believe it is the choice of players to wear either a visor or nothing.

Actually, players in the CHL (OHL, QMJHL, WHL...so called "major junior") wear half shields that are certified. Unlike their US college brethren, the CHL believes that this is a good transition to pro hockey.

Most guys in my adult league wear half shields; a few wear the birdcage, but probably 60-70% wear shields (our league/division requires some facial protection).

In short, the NHL/NHLPA like the current state (it may come, down the road, that incoming players will be required to wear half shields but it be "grandfathered" for existing players...the league did this with helmets back in the late 70's/early 80's), and it is highly unlikely that you will see the league go to full facial protection.

Full Cage Facemask

1

because they aren't pussy's,though some will after cosmetic surgery following a facial injury

Visibility mostly.