Ever wonder why hockey players wear those cool little visors on their head? It’s not just for show – those helmets actually serve a functional purpose. Hockey visors are designed to keep the fog out while also giving the player better peripheral vision, protecting their eyes from the whipping wind and dry ice that is so characteristic of a hockey game.
But here’s the thing: if you’re playing in any kind of climate that doesn’t have an exceptionally high latitude, the chances are that the visibility you get from wearing a hockey visor at all is significantly less than what you get from wearing simply your sunglasses. So why waste your time and effort when you could simply remove the visor and enjoy the show in its entirety?
Here are some simple hacks to help you get the most out of your hockey experience without the fogging up of your glasses:
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Dry Ice
This is the ultimate weapon in the fight against fogging up your glasses. If you’re playing in an area where temperatures can reach below freezing and above, simply put on your helmet, crack open a pop can, and hold it over the opening in the top of the helmet. The dry ice will absorb the moisture, keeping your glasses clean and dry.
This trick works best if you play for a team that uses a dry ice machine on the bench. Many teams have them, and they are definitely the biggest factor in the players’ ability to keep their glasses clean. With a game going on, it’s sometimes hard to remember to pack your glasses in your travel bag, so the dry ice allows you to take them with you wherever you go.
Carry A Water Spray
Did you know that they make water sprays specially designed for cleaning fogged up sunglasses and other similar glasses? If you didn’t, you should definitely know now! These sprays are easily carried in your pockets, and their concentrated scent allows you to spray a small area to help clear your glasses for a better viewing experience. Just make sure that you don’t spray directly in your eyes – that’s how you get wet shandy (grapefruit and vodka mixed together) poisoning!
Wash Your Face
If you play in an area where the air is dry and cold, then it’s a must that you wash your face more often (at least twice a day). The reason behind this is that dirt tends to settle on your face when you are playing outdoors, and while it doesn’t pose a major health risk, it’s certainly something to wash off before and after your game. If you play in a cold climate, then using an oil-free moisturizer can help improve your skin’s natural defense against the elements – meaning your face will be less likely to peel off in the winter! And oil-free moisturizers also help prevent acne, so it’s generally a good idea to use them regardless of what time of year it is!
Blow Your Nose
Did you know that some players use nasal cannula to help with breathing while playing? It isn’t uncommon for hockey players to have serious allergies, and for these individuals, using a nasal cannula often helps during the game. Simply put one in each nostril, and it will provide a flow of air directly into your lungs, bringing you back to earth from wherever that flight has taken you!
Sunglasses, Visor, And Mask
While it’s not always easy to keep your sunglasses clean, it’s certainly possible. The key here is to prevent the constant touchup that often happens when you’re wearing them. When you play sports, it’s often windy as well as cold, so you’re going to need something over your eyes to prevent both the wind and the dampness from getting in and causing damage. And let’s be honest – most players feel that the cool look of a mask is a significant improvement over the typical sunglasses look anyway!
If you play in an area where the temperatures can fluctuate greatly, then it’s important that you wear multiple layers. This way, you can regulate how much you’re cooling off and warming up at any given moment, preventing yourself from overheating or suffering from hypothermia. Remember to remove clothing as needed – for instance, during the game you might want to keep your gloves and boots, while on a hot day you might want to remove your jacket and tie up your skates. You might also want to pack a small sleeping mat and extra clothes in case you get wet or cold during the night – the floor isn’t exactly the best place to sleep if you’re on the road!
Choose The Right Location
If you play in an area where the temperature is on the rise or fall, then you have to determine how you’re going to handle it. Are you going to go for a swim right after your game? Do you need to walk to your car and drive home in the night?
It’s always nice to have a plan B just in case plan A goes wrong, and it’s a good idea to have alternative travel arrangements as well. This way, you can ensure that you’ll be able to get home when the game ends and the coach lets you off the bus. There are often no cell phones in hockey, so being able to call a taxi or car service instead of trying to find someone to give you a lift home is always a better option!
A good way to prevent fogging up your glasses is to play in a cool place with good air quality. This way, you won’t have to worry about cleaning your glasses after every game – simply wipe them off with a clean, wet cloth and they’ll be good as new! And if you don’t have a cloth handy, then no problem – you can spray some on a dry ice machine to make cleaning them easier!