No, but in the NHL yes. But for younger leagues that don't have real goalie masks there's a plastic shield people can buy to strap onto a normal helmet.

I used to be a goalie, but then I took a puck to the throat

couldn't he sue the couch?

As a goalie, who has had his fair share of injuries I can say that you should not EVER go on the ice with improperly fitting equipment. Improper equipment should not even be considered - ever. There's a reason goalies have special equipment - because we need it!

actually there are rules like that in younger leagues, it just depends on age group, also its ice hockey the coach should know better, he has no business coaching if hes gonna make decisions like that, a puck to the throat is potentially fatal same with blades from skates

#64 What did the poor innocent couch do to her?

I don't see how suing furniture will help in this situation?

69, why the lol?

In my league goalies can where any sort of helmet as long as the butt end of a stick can't fit through the cage and you have a plastic throat guard tied on. But you can wear player skates and hip pads if you want, but I don't see why you'd want to.

God help me... *wear*

#80 what did the "poor, innocent couch" do to her?

Do you play for district 5 ? Sorry that's from an old movie . The mighty ducks

Since this is America and you can sue for anything you should sue. At least for the cost of your medical bills.

Why do people like you always have to make hell out if an innocent thing, The coach just wanted the kids to have fun and an accident happened their is no reason to get someone fired over that. (when you play sports shit happens)

#121 Since this is America your probably a fat dumb ass

#64 He couldn't sue the couch considering it's an inhabitant object and had no involvement with the injury. As for the coach, don't know.

does anyone else think OP hold some of the blame? I mean if I was asked to do it without proper equipment, I would have said no! But then I was thought to think for myself. If you won't ensure your own safety, who will? Yes the coach should be reprimanded for putting his player in harms way. Regardless of anything else as the adult, he shouldn't have let this happen.

Haha way to fail at your "goal." Anyone? No? Ok...

I feel ESPN "Top Ten" coming on here...

Ah man not the coccyx! Anything but the coccyx!

I only mention it because it actually happened to me. It's waaaaay easier for someone else to say that something is "OK" when they're not the ones shelling out dough to get their lower back examined (and, of course, the incapacitation that comes with lumbar spine/coccyx injuries). Lolz.

Coaches are worthless. They take the game too seriously and ruin the fun, along with over zealous parents. All they care about is winning.

126: Mike Rice FTW. Haha.

Ha coach must have been "walk it off walk it off, put some ice on it".

Unfortunately there is not, but in most leagues goalies are forced to wear a plastic throat guard that hangs off of their helmet. On the bright side he didn't get his throat cut by a skate.

....bro. >.>

How does SHE not deserve this? If you get on the field of play without proper equipement you deserve any injuries you get.

-56 it was irresponsible but i dont think anyone DESERVES to get hit in the throat with a hockey puck

That's debatable 112. Some people definitely deserve a puck to the throat if you ask me lol

That's what I was thinking... But then again, I don't give a shit about sports enough to get the itch to play. So maybe I'd be biased to tell the coach to "**** off, or find me real helmet."

Sue him, and spend more on lawyer fees than you'd actually win off him. Added to the fact OP willingly played without the full mask. Not to mention the entire club, friends included would hate him, and he'd never be able to play for them again. Sounds like a great ******* idea.

My league as well as my high school make you sign a waiver of liability that states that in the event of an injury the coach, officials, and members of the league cannot be held liable in the event of an injury sustained during a game or official practice. OP might not be able to sue if her league is like this.

Those waivers aren't worth much. A good lawyer can find ways around them. Especially if OP is a minor.

Sorry, that waiver isn't going to mean much when negligence or safety violations are involved.

@61 generaly speaking in a lawsuit case the lawyer gets a cut of the settlement and the winners court fees are paid by the loser. so really you don't pay any money out of pocket if you win.

You will pay with your time. Lawsuits are long and exhausting.

In the coach's defense, I'm sure he felt horrible and like an ass after it happened. But still, it's a pretty poor coach that puts their players on the ice without proper safety equipment.

It was likely one of the full face mesh guards that most minor leagues require for all players. They don't protect the neck, but they make official safety spec for all positions. Goalies should have a padded neck guard on no matter what sort of helmet, as pucks can get by them all.