Mouthguard Misconduct Wave in the OHL Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTkxNjQ0NDUxNTE5ODY2NTMx/ca1_6302.jpg] The spotlight at the world juniors has been on Connor Bedard, and deservedly so. The 17-year-old has set new Canadian records for career points and goals at the tournament, among others. He’s stood out with his skill, IQ and shot. But he’s stood out in another, more lighthearted way. Bedard’s done it all at the world juniors wearing that full face shield. He doesn’t even wear one in the WHL with the Regina Pats. And we know some of you are curious as to why. Under rule 202 of the 2022-23 IIHF rulebook [https://blob.iihf.com/iihf-media/iihfmvc/media/downloads/rule%20book/220721_iihf_rulebook_v22.pdf], players in the U-18 category must wear a cage or full visor. Players aged 18 and over can wear a visor instead of the cage if it comes down to cover the eyes and nose. Bedard doesn’t turn 18 years old until July 17, so he falls under the rule. But he also doesn’t have to wear a mouthguard. Because U-18 players must wear full face protection, a mouthguard for them is optional but strongly recommended. U-20 players must wear a mouthguard if they’re wearing a visor, or else they can't play. Chewing on it Tkachuk-style doesn't work, either. Connor McDavid also wore a cage during the 2013-14 World Junior Championship. He said at the time that his teammates poked some lighthearted fun at him for wearing it. While it reminds everyone that Bedard is still younger than the rest – keeping in mind it’s rare for Team Canada to bring U-18 players to the U-20 squad – it makes his records all that more impressive. And considering he slid face-first into the goalpost after Slovakia's second goal in the quarterfinal (he appeared to be OK), it was a nice coincidence he wore that shield. And with that piece of trivia out of the way, back to your regular scheduled programming.
