There is a change in the new helmet rule. Please read below.
 

From USA HOCKEY:

While the HECC standards are critical to player safety, the spirit and intent of the rule has not changed in regards to enforcement by officials. A player’s participation in a game should not depend on whether the HECC Sticker is in place or missing from his/her helmet. The guidelines the USA Hockey Officiating Program encourages its officials to follow are outlined in the Officials Rules and Casebook in addition to the following key points:

• Are all the components of the helmet in place (ear pieces, face-mask J-clips, etc.)?
• Is the helmet free of excessive wear and in good condition?
• Does the helmet look similar to models worn by other players?
• Is the helmet worn properly (fit, chin-strap buckled, etc.)?
If the official can answer these questions with a “yes” then the helmet is likely safe and legal for play and the game does not need a long delay to complete this check. If in doubt, the presence of the current HECC sticker, with valid expiration date, along with the good condition of the helmet, will be the final indicator as to the eligibility for use in USA Hockey sanctioned games. Provided the official(s) have performed this due diligence, it is important to acknowledge that USA Hockey firmly places the responsibility on the individual player to wear the proper protective equipment in the manner in which it was intended.
 
 
Thanks,
Ron Caccavale
ACE Coordinator - East Section