On the surface, transparent boards for outdoor hockey games sounds like a wonderful idea. Most fans would probably agree that the one downside to watching an outdoor game at a big baseball stadium is the view, and transparent boards would provide maximum visibility for fans.
That being said, it's not something we think the NHL will look to adapt anytime soon due to the fact that advertisements are littered all over the boards, but there is one other major problem with transparent boards, and it was on display for all to see in Finland during the Finnish Elite League's outdoor game.
Notice the problem? Clearly, transparent boards aren't very effective when it gets really cold outside, which is a huge problem to say the least as the cold essentially defeats the purpose of the boards.
Not only does the cold present a problem, but we imagine transparent boards would cause some difficulties for players because they're just not used to playing with them.
Still, it's a good idea, but it would take a lot for the idea to come to North America for outdoor games.
