Safety is the most important part of hockey. If we are not focused on the safety of our youth during sports, it can lead to injury and long term health effects. That is why it is important to follow any and all safety precautions. When it comes to Hockey Helmets this is even more important.
Do hockey helmets expire? Yes and No. There are two certification stickers on all hockey helmets. One for HECC and one for CSA. In the USA hockey helmets expire after 6 1/2 years. In Canada there is no Expiration date. But helmets should be replaced around the same time.
When it comes to hockey helmets there are some main factors that can lessen the life of a hockey helmet. Your helmet might not make it to the 6 1/2 year HECC date for a number of reasons. If you’re interested in knowing more, I have done some research on the topic that I know will help you answer your question.
Will My Hockey Helmet Expire?
So the yes/no answer might be a little confusing, but I will clear things up as we go through this article. Helmets that are to be used in the USA need to be certified by HECC and have a valid sticker attached to the back.
In Canada the certification that is needed is by CSA. In Canada, as long as the CSA sticker is on the helmet it is good for as long as the helmet lasts. Most kids will outgrow their helmets before the date on the HECC sticker so there isn’t must chance that you will have an outdated helmet.
Where you might run into an issue as a Canadian is if you are travelling to the states to play in a hockey tournament. If the helmet has a CSA sticker but no HECC sticker with an valid expiry date you will not be able to take to the ice.
This is why it is important to purchase a new helmet and try not to buy used unless the date is good on the HECC sticker. There are other issues with buying used that we will look at in another subheading.
Hockey helmets need to be certified because in order to ensure the safety of the helmet, they need to meet the standards put in place the CSA and ASTM which is the American Society and Testing and Materials.
Once the equipment meets the standards then HECC places the expiry date on the helmet. Again the expiry date is only required in the US and in Canada there is no expiry date.
What Is the Difference Between HECC, CSA and The ASTM?
HECC is the Hockey Equipment Certification Council. They are a non-profit organization which USA Hockey requested to be created in 1978. The purpose for creating HECC was to have an independent body to certify amateur hockey equipment, mainly hockey helmets.
HECC‘s mission as stated from their website is this: “Seek out, evaluate and select standards and testing procedures for hockey equipment for the purpose of Product Certification.”
They are put in place to make sure the manufacturers of certain hockey equipment are making their products in the best and safest way possible and meeting the standards put in place by the ASTM and CSA
The ASTM stand for the American Society of Testing and Materials. ASTM standard are used in all walks of life from scientists to architects to government bodies using them in their codes, regulations and laws.
They are one of the largest standard developing organizations in the world. They have been around for 120 years.
CSA stands for Canadian Standards Association. They are now known as the CSA Group. They are a not for profit organization for standards development. You will see their stickers on so many things around you right now, just have a look. They have been around for over 100 years.
How Long Will A Hockey Helmet Last?
According to the HECC sticker on helmets. Your helmet is good for 6 1/2 years from the date of manufacture. But there are other factors that might shorten the life of your helmet. Some things that may cause your helmet to not last as long could be:
- Repeated Impacts
- Wear and Tear of hardware
- Certification Stickers being removed
- Ear pieces being removed
- Cracks or Dents
- Foam Padding breaking down
- Helmet not fitting properly
It is important to make sure your helmet is in working order and has the certification stickers still in place otherwise you might not be able to play hockey until the issues are fixed.
There are no expiry dates for the CSA certification. But a good rule of thumb would be to follow the HECC standard and replace your helmet after the 6 1/2 years. Chances are you will have outgrown or wore out your helmet well before those dates.
If you plan on playing hockey in the US you will need to make sure that the HECC sticker is readable and in date.
How Can I Tell If My Helmet Is Expired?
On the back of your helmet you will see the HECC sticker. This sticker has an expiry date much like the expiry date on your perishable foods. But for much longer than your food.
Not only do you have to look at the date, you need to make sure the helmet is in good working order. Remember that awesome list that you read above. If any of those things are something you think you see on your helmet, you should really consider replacing. You don’t wanna mess with that big beautiful brain or face of yours.
Helmet History
Hockey started in the early 1900’s. In the beginning players were NOT required to wear helmets! could you imagine not having a helmet these days. Those were some rough and tough fellas. Although today’s hockey is 100x faster and harder hitting than 100 years ago.
It wasn’t until 1979 that the helmets were introduced as an additional safety factor. Players that were signed with a team, could sign a waiver if they didn’t want to wear the helmets. In 1927 Barney Stanley created the first prototype for the hockey helmet. The NHL rejected the idea right away. In 1933 there were so many serious injuries that some players had to wear helmets intermittently. This continued until the 1979 rule made helmets a requirement. Players Pre 1979 were grandfathered into the new rule and were not made to wear helmets. But all new players didn’t have the option.
In todays hockey it is mandatory to wear helmets and most players have eye and face protection as well. Which all needs to meet the ASTM, CSA and HECC standards.
Related Questions
Do Goalie Helmets Expire?
Yes all Goalie Helmets follow the exact same standard as players helmets. They will have the same stickers as players helmets.
Does Other Hockey Equipment Expire?
No, All other equipment is good for as long as it lasts. The only reason you will need to replace your equipment is if you want something fresh, it breaks down or tears. Or if it gets soo stinky that you cant stand it!
How do Hockey Helmets Protect You?
Hockey helmets protect your head from sticks, pucks, falling, running into other players among other things. The helmet is made of approved impact vinyl plastic and is padded to soften the blow. They will not save you from a concussion. They might help a bit but if you get hit hard enough in the head. It will not stop it.