<P> A visor or shield in ice hockey is a device attached to the front of a helmet to reduce potential of injury to the face . Visors cover the upper half of the face, while full face shields cover the entire face . A series of eye injuries, most notably that to Bruce Fogarty, have led to a call from many to enforce their wearing . As of 2015, 89% of NHL players wear visors . Many other leagues around the world mandate the use of visors . Visors and shields, made of a high impact - resistant plastic, offer better overall vision than the wire cages available, which can obscure vision in certain areas . The face shield provides excellent straight ahead and peripheral vision, but does not provide as good air flow as a cage . </P> <P> The American Hockey League, the top minor league in North America required all players to wear shields prior to the start of the 2006--07 season . The NHL "strongly recommends" the use of visors . The NHL mandated visors in 2013, with an exception for players having 25 games experience . </P> <P> The hockey visor was first invented by Kenneth William Clay when he lost vision in his left eye to a high stick while playing for the Vanderhoof Bears . After a month in hospital in Vancouver, Clay created the first documented clear face shield in January 1964 . The invention caused quite a stir, with announcers calling it a "fish bowl" and a "wrap - around windshield". While the original shield and helmet were lost in the fire that consumed the Vanderhoof Arena a few years later, the newspaper clippings still attest to the dates and facts . </P> <P> A cage in ice hockey is a device attached to the front of a helmet to reduce potential of injury to the face . It consists of a metal or composite mesh that covers the entire face, although some half cages do exist (to protect the eyes while allowing full airflow). The bars, or cage, are spaced far enough apart to allow seeing through to the action but are close enough to stop pucks and sticks from getting through to injure the face . </P>

Helmets were designed to protect players from what