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The English Ice Hockey Association has made a major move for player safety. Unfortunately, it was an on-ice tragedy that led to the decision.
On Monday, October 30, it was announced that the use of neck protection will be mandatory beginning in 2024.
The announcement comes after the death of former NHL player Adam Johnson, who had his neck hit by a skate blade in a “freak accident” during a game between Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers at Utilita Arena in the United Kingdom.
The game was abandoned and fans were evacuated from the arena. Around 8,000 fans witnessed the horrific incident.
Johnson was 29 years old.
While the neck guards are mandatory beginning in 2024, the EIHA makes a “strong recommendation” in the short term that players use neck protectors.
EIHA update: Player safety.
📰: https://t.co/OPIpu6uUze pic.twitter.com/BV5PPPVUaJ
— English Ice Hockey Association (@EIHA_Official) October 30, 2023
“The EIHA makes a ‘strong recommendation’ that all players at all levels across English Ice Hockey use an approved Ice Hockey Neck Guard/Protector whilst participating in all on-ice activities,” said the EIHA in a statement on Monday.
“This ‘strong recommendation’ is in place until 31 December 2023, after which it will become a mandatory requirement. It is not mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues. This will be under constant review between now and mandatory implementation. All protective equipment must be worn without alterations and as directed by the manufacturer’s specification.”
Johnson made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 21, 2019. He played in 13 total NHL games and recorded four points. Johnson’s lone NHL goal came on October 12, 2019, in his home state of Minnesota in a 7-4 win over the Wild.
He had previously played for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League.
While playing for the WBS Penguins, who are the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the former University of Minnesota-Duluth star recorded 108 points and was the second-leading scorer in the 2017-18 season.
