The face of OUA men's hockey will change in the 2005-06 season as the OUA has decided to go from the full cage face masks to the half visors currently being used in the AUS and Canada West. The decision was made at the annual OUA meetings being held this week in Huntsville, Ontario.
The impetus for the change came from the players who felt that going to the half visors would increase their vision and competitiveness on the ice.
Lakehead Head Coach Pete Belliveau said the change reflects the wishes of the players in the OUA. "This is something the players wanted. It should give them better vision on the ice and hopefully keep their sticks on the ice more to help reduce injuries."
In other OUA men's hockey news, it was also decided at the OUA meeting that the 2005-06 season will remain the same format as this season; with a 24 game interlocking conference schedule. It was also agreed that the 2006-07 season would change to 28 games but the actual format of that season will be decided upon at a future date.