The Bucket
Did you know that the first NHL player to regularly wear a helmet was George Owen of the Boston Bruins back in the 1928-29 season? Me neither, but that’s what Wikipedia is for.
Since then the helmet has come a long way. It has been as hot a topic recently with all of the concussion and head hunting talk going on around the NHL. Even "The Captain" has taken his part in developing a premier piece of protection, focused on preventing concussions.
While I am a proponent of helmet safety, I am not here to speak on the positive effects of a properly fitted chin strap. No, as many hockey players choose looks (or lack thereof) over protection, I am here to talk about some of the worst buckets ever.
As a guy who has played hockey for many years, I have fond memories of watching the free wheelin’ games of the 80’s, the introduction of the power forward of the 90’s and the clutchless and grabless 00’s. I read old hockey books and watch Vintage Games on the NHL Network all summer long. When reminiscing about the old days, one of the first thing that pops out to my mind’s eye are bad buckets. I’d like to take this time to remember a few…
One of the original, and by original I mean terrible, buckets ever was worn by the great Stan Makita. The man that gave us the banana blade also gave us The Bubble Helmet.
The next one up is secretly one of my all-time favorites. This bad bucket is so unique, I’d gladly pay cash to put it on my melon just once. My man Butch Goring wore this beauty and what a piece it was.
(Side note, did you know that Butch at one time wore straps on his skates instead of laces? FANTASTIC!)
One of the pictures I remember most as a kid was a young photo of Hannibal Lecter…er, The Great One. Terrible…
Which leads to a succession in bad lids by WG…but, seriously, who I am to say anything.
And since we are on the subject of Jofa’s, remember when Jaromir Jagr wore this Jofa helmet with the patented “Rear Neck Protector?” Wait…that’s not a bucket, just a sweet a$$ mullet!
Uh, Roller Derby anyone?
In my research I discovered this monstrosity. I wish I knew who to credit with this WTF!
And this brings me to the worst bucket ever created by man…the Cooper XL7. I remember playing against kids that wore these abominations and wanted to do them a favor by taking their heads off…
As I was taking this trip down memory lane, I wanted to add my favorite bucket of all…the CCM featuring the side bumpers. Never knew why they had to have bumpers, but I have always loved ‘em!
So, there you have it, some of the baddest buckets ever. If I missed one of you favorite bad buckets, I'd love to hear about it. Go ahead and send in a pic...