JOFA Helmets | Halos of Hockey

Gretzky, Lemieux, Jagr, Selanne, Savard, Sundin, Forsberg, Fleury, Kurri, Housley, Palffy, Salming and Stastny are some of the NHL greats who have worn the JOFA emblem proudly upon their foreheads during some of the highest scoring and most important seasons and careers in NHL history. This blog discusses the JOFA helmet, the different models, who men who wore them, their significance, where to buy and sell them, how to fix and modify them, and why they are icons of hockey excellence.

May 25, 2012

Teemu Selanne Olympic JOFA Helmet Modification


These helmets were inspired by the JOFA 297 helmet Teemu Selanne has worn for over a decade during Olympic and World Cup of Hockey tournaments.


After finding a brand new blue JOFA 390, and some practice with some other helmets (including the helmet I wear in men's league and pick up games); I modified the helmet using a 366 template that I adjusted for full ear loops.  I measured a Bauer helmet to pull the dimensions, making sure the modification is structurally strong, and safe to use.


The only thing left to do is find Suomi decals to finish it!  But living in the states, and having no luck via the web, has left the helmet bare.  Please comment if you have any knowledge how I could obtain these decals!


I trimmed the foam to clear the ear loop holes so that they can move inward without restriction.  I also carefully tapered the edges (a new technique which I have done with all my recently modified helmets), so that the padding does not grab or pinch when putting the helmet on.  It also helps with people, like myself, who wear glasses (yes, I know, it's crazy; I wear glasses while playing with a half shield).


Here I have done the same modification with a white helmet.  This helmet was used, but I refurbished it.  Since the rivets in this older model are silver, I used silver hardware to mount the visor. Also, notice the chin strap, made from the original strap; it has a silver snap and a white buckle (new-er models have black rivets, screws, and snaps).


I did this mod months ago, and during that time, I was unable to purchase white ear loops. Apparently pro teams buy them up, making them nearly impossible to purchase online. So, I just went ahead and installed some black Bauer loops.  I think it looks really cool, maybe even better than the white loops would look. I'm really happy with how this turned out; definitely one of the best mods I have ever done.

6 comments:

  1. lets see some action pics of you scoring 76 goals (or however many :) ) in your mens league - wearing glasses no less!

    suomi ikuisesti!

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  2. Could you tell me where I can get a visor that will work with this helmet?
    I looked at Hockey Monkey.com and dont want to just guess and then find out it doesnt fit.

    You input would be appreciated!

    Thanks!

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  3. The half shield installment on this helmet is completely custom; this helmet was never designed to mount modern visors.
    If you're looking for a visor that will attach without modification, try searching eBay for "Jofa Visor" or "Jofa Half Shield" or the sort. Otherwise, it is up to you to make the visor fit on the helmet.
    I have provided many references of the different ways you can mount visors on these helmets; so it's up to you to decide what is right for you.
    Best of luck!

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  4. And by Suomi-decals you mean those triangelish logos with lion?

    ReplyDelete
  5. i am looking to sell a 366 in red color, a 366 in blue color and a NOS 397 in blue color (teemu's olympic choice)..
    feel free to contact me for pics and offers or special modifying recquests..
    zentagasse@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi there, amazing site btw! Great stuff. I have a couple questions. You mentioned refurbishing the helmet. By that do you mean just cleaning it up a bit, or did you use something specific for this? Also, how did you make the slots that the ear loops go through? I'm planning on doing a mod like this on a 390. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete