Ryan O'Reilly, a seasoned NHL center for the Nashville Predators, remains one of the few players in the league who chooses to play without a visor. Despite repeated requests from family and warnings from past injuries in the league, O'Reilly's habit of playing unprotected continues, marking a stark contrast to the league's safety regulations which mandate visors for all players with fewer than 25 games of experience since the 2013-14 season. This decision is not uncommon among veteran players like Jamie Benn and Matt Martin, who also forgo facial protection.

The risks associated with this choice are significant, as highlighted by past incidents such as Bryan Berard's devastating eye injury. However, for these players, the allure of maintaining an 'old-school' image and the comfort of their established playing style outweighs the potential dangers. They embrace their decisions as part of hockey's culture, a testament to their toughness and resilience on the ice.