re: Is there a reason why hockey uniforms haven't become more ergonomically pleasing?

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struggle to understand why they don't wear facemasks (like in college hockey). Crazy to risk losing teeth just because that's what everyone does. They deserve better head/face protection if you ask me.

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A few things. First and foremost, it's against hockey culture. The players take pride in being tough as absolute nails. You literally cannot be a LeBron and be accepted in hockey. Sidney Crosby got a *lot* of shite in his first few years for being a whiney bitch, and for not being tough. He got better, for sure.

In addition, the lack of protection actually makes the game somewhat safer. Similar to rugby, the players don't forget that they're vulnerable out there. Having your mouth and nose exposed reminds you just how close you are to the action kn the ice. Fewer dangerous risks are taken. They've even discussed softening elbow protection for this very reason - too many players were using hard cap elbow pads as weapons. Football helmets encourage risky heads hots. Hockey helmets do not.

Finally, as others have mentioned, tight fitting hockey jerseys restrict movement *way* too much. Reebok tried this back 15 years ago or so, and the players hated it. The game is too fluid and too fast to be encumbered by a useless restriction designed purely for esthetics.