checking with a half visor

[jjvall 0]

Just wondered if there any different technique to checking with a half visor on. i have come from junior hockey where ive never had a problem but since taking my cage off i have already had to get stiches twice in my face from checks going wrong. sorry if this has already been posted before but couldnt find it!

[interpathway 9]

Sounds more like bad luck lately than any technical error, but I've always played with my full cage so I'm only seeing it from one side. When you got clipped up high these recent times, was it a stick/glove from your opponent? If so, it just sounds like you earned your team 2 minutes a man up. If not, only then would I take a look at my checking routine.

[chippa13 1844]

Stop leading with your face.

[xstartxtodayx 343]

Stop leading with your face.

x2 :P

But on a serious note, having a visor will require you to take more care to your form when checking. Make sure you're leading w/ your shoulder and keep your head up rather than leaning it forward. Rather than leaning you're upper torso so much into the check (football style) try bending the knees more and using your leg muscles while keeping your torso more up straight. 2 players I can think of that are great examples are Dan Girardi and Marc Staal of the Rangers (since I'm a Rangers fan they come to mind first), they're both defenseman and are very good at checking (girardi especially, he's really strong on his skates and his checks pack a punch).

[jjvall 0]

thanks for the help, im not really sure if they have put there hands up or not, because both times got pretty dazed! im only 5ft 7 so im one of the smallest players around so not sure if thats one of the reasons! i know im never gonna to be a good checker as evryone s much bigger but it will be good not to get hurt all the time!!

[interpathway 9]

Hell, use the lower center of gravity to your advantage. Again, I've been full cage forever but leading with your shoulder and helping to take your face out of the impact zone can only help your situation. Or throw on a Heatley visor (shrugs).

[dangle 0]

Go old school and use the hip check