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

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I 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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I've thought that for a while, but I never played hockey. So, it could just be a thing that is accepted. I feel the same way about the lack of wide brimmed hats for professional golfers. These guys are outside all day for usually 6 days a week when they are playing. Not only is it healthier to protect your face and neck from the sun, but a wide brimmed hat would help with the lightbulb look so many players have when they remove their caps. I know they don't look as good as baseball hats, but I figured it would be more common on golfers by now.

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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.