from Darren Dreger of TSN,

The NHLPA says the Calgary Flames cannot mandate its players wear protective foot and ankle equipment commonly known as "shotblockers."

Flames general manager Jay Feaster instructed his players get fitted for the guards after Calgary captain Mark Giordano suffered a broken ankle and veteran forward Lee Stempniak broke his foot after being hit by pucks last month.

Flames players have informed the Players Association they were strongly encouraged by Flames management to wear the shotblockers, but were told the equipment wasn't mandatory.

However, Feaster says this is a mandatory team policy which may create a problem as such a policy could be viewed as a CBA violation.

continued

This from Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun a few days ago...

In fact, following the loss of their two most consistent players to shot-blocking injuries, the Calgary Flames have issued a directive to players making additional foot protection mandatory.

No exceptions.

“With the injuries, it’s too bad that we reacted too late, but we don’t encourage them right now, they have to wear them now — it’s policy starting two days ago,” said Flames head coach Bob Hartley, whose club suited up Wednesday for the second game in a row without captain Mark Giordano and forward Lee Stempniak following painful shot-blocks that broke their ankle and foot respectively.

“It’s too late, but we learn from our mistakes. It won’t repeat itself with what happened to Giordano and Stempniak. Even though the players are pros, once in awhile, we have to put in some strict policies. Right now, we’re certainly not a better team without those two in the lineup.”

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