NHL Reminds Teams of Warmup Helmet Mandate

The National Hockey League is issuing a formal reminder to all teams about mandatory helmet use during pregame warmups after three clubs, including the Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils, took the ice without them in recent games.

The trend began last week when the Senators arrived helmetless for their November 26 warmup before facing the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The team, which had lost six straight games there, decided on the move during a dinner the night before to shake up their fortunes. Defenseman Jake Sanderson described it as a casual group discussion, adding, "We'll see if it happens in the future."

The Sharks followed suit two days later, also in Las Vegas, ahead of their game against the Golden Knights. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, one of the few players wearing head protection, called it an effort to inject some fun into the occasion. "It's a fun city. Everyone wants to have a good time. Maybe play with a little bit of swagger. Everybody feels good with the hair flowing and all of that," Nedeljkovic said. Forward Will Smith noted it was a straightforward team decision, especially given the lively Saturday night...