Safety first from Health Canada

With minor hockey programs about to start across North America, Health Canada has issued a warning about a vital piece of equipment for any hockey player pro, amateur or recreational.

An investigation by the Canadian Standard's Association has found that WJD Pro Ice goaltender helmets and WJD Pro “Cat Eye” face protectors, failed CSA safety standards.

Helmets and face shields worn to protect hockey players may actually cause serious head and eye injuries, with particular concern over concussion or or other serious head trauma.

The helmets which retail at sporting good stores from between 200 to 400 dollars, have the WJD logo and a CSA-certified label with serial numbers 17619 or 17620.

The Edmonton Journal published the following story about the helmets and the order from Health Canada for hockey players to stop using them.

Hockey helmets pose safety hazard
Bill Mah
CanWest News Service
Tuesday, September 04, 2007

EDMONTON - Helmets and face shields worn to protect hockey players may actually cause serious head and eye injuries, the Canadian government warns.

Players should immediately stop using all WJD Pro Ice goaltender helmets and WJD Pro "Cat Eye" face protectors, Health Canada said Tuesday.

An investigation by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) showed the Canadian-made equipment fails safety standards. The helmets do not give enough impact protection from falls, collisions from other players or hits from pucks or sticks.

"Their continued use could result in serious injury such as a concussion or other serious head trauma," warned a Health Canada advisory.

The helmets are made and distributed by WJD Pro Inc. of Burlington, Ont., and Jaguar Sports of Caledonia, Ont. They are sold at sporting goods stores across Canada and online for about $200 to $400.

The helmets can be identified by the WJD letters on the elastic strapping or the WJD markings on the helmet shell.

They bear a CSA-certified label with serial numbers 17619 or 17620, yet do not meet safety standards. Some of the labels may be counterfeit.

Some WJD helmets may also have been sold with a wire cage that lets hockey stick blades through the grill.

The products should be destroyed. Health Canada is working to have the products removed from store shelves and asks consumers to report any they find for sale.

No injuries have been reported.