Harvard Crimson first to test new hockey helmets

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Thanks to an NHL Hall of Famer, the Harvard University men's ice hockey team will be the first in the country to test a new helmet designed to further limit the sport's instances of concussions.

Mark Messier, a member of six Stanley Cup winning teams, believes helmet designs are overdue for an upgrade. The former NHL superstar stopped by the Harvard Crimson's locker room this week as the team tested the new helmets.

"My job was to help design the best way to get the NHL to wear them," said Messier. "A lot of players have committed to it."

Crimson defenseman Ian Tallet has suffered his share of concussions and is ready to try the new helmet.

"Personally I've had two," said Tallet. "One last year left me hospitalized overnight."

Coach Ted Donato believes adopting the new helmet design is a no-brainer.

"We had an opportunity to get the best protection against concussions and we jumped at the opportunity," said Donato.

His players agree.

"If you look around there's been a vast amount (of players) that had to cut their careers short as a result of concussions," said defenseman Alex Biega. "I think it's great to take the first step."

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