Could this be a trend?

In the wake of 21-year-old Dan Sanderson's death (see blog entry "Makes you think"), the Ontario Hockey League issued a new rule regarding the customary removing of the helmet before a fight. I think it's a viable concern and I wouldn't be entirely surprised if some of the minor hockey ranks followed suit, including the leagues in which visors are mandatory. Here's the official rulebook entry:

“If a player should remove his helmet or undo his chinstrap prior to or during an altercation, such player shall receive a game misconduct in addition to any other penalties assessed and an automatic one (1) game suspension. If a player should remove his helmet or undo his chinstrap prior to entering into an altercation, and his opponent does not remove his helmet, the player removing his helmet shall receive a two minute minor penalty, a game misconduct penalty in addition to any other penalties assessed and an automatic one (1) game suspension.

If a player should remove an opponent’s helmet or undo an opponent’s chinstrap prior to or during an altercation, such player shall receive an automatic game misconduct penalty in addition to any other penalties assessed and a one (1) game suspension.

If during the course of an altercation a player or player’s helmets should become dislodged, the linesmen are to intervene immediately”.