"Heelys"

Mr. Gary Bettman
Commissioner
National Hockey League
New York, New York

Subject: Heelys at NHL Games

Dear Commissioner,

As you are aware, the Canada Safety Council is Canada’s national, not-for-profit, knowledge based safety organization. I have corresponded with you on previous occasions.

The latest fad gripping children in some regions of North America is “Heelys”. These are shoes that allow the rider immediate transition from walking and running to rolling just by altering their stance. Heelys are high quality street shoes that have a single removable wheel in the heel of each shoe.

If they are not used properly, there is absolutely no question they can be unsafe. Children using Heelys should wear the same protective equipment worn for skateboarding or in-line skating, such as helmets, elbow pads and knee pads. That said, Heelys should not be used in public buildings, or malls and should be banned from being used in school hallways and playgrounds.

At the recent Philadelphia/Ottawa game here in Ottawa on October 30, I noticed two children who were wearing Heelys and moving along in a reckless and careless fashion. Nuisance factor aside, they not only posed a danger to themselves but to other spectators.

As the popularity of these shoes continues to rise, users will appear in greater numbers at sporting events and other activities. In light of our concerns, we would strongly encourage the National Hockey League to take the appropriate action and ban Heelys at all games.

If you require more information, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Emile-J. Therien
President, Canada Safety Council