The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has announced that it will be making approved neck guards/protectors mandatory for all players at all levels across English Ice Hockey. This decision comes in the wake of the tragic death of Nottingham Panthers player and former NHL forward Adam Johnson. The mandate will take effect on January 1, 2024, but the EIHA has strongly recommended that players start using the neck guards before then.
The EIHA’s decision to make neck guards mandatory is a response to the “freak accident” that led to Johnson’s death. During a game in Britain’s top hockey league, the EIHL, Johnson suffered a serious cut to his neck from a skate during an on-ice collision. The game was stopped in the second period, and fans were asked to leave the stadium due to what was described as a “major medical emergency.” Johnson’s death has left the hockey community devastated, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) has also taken action in response to Johnson’s death. All games scheduled for October 29 were postponed, and the Nottingham Panthers have confirmed that their next three games will be postponed as well.
The EIHA, as one of the governing bodies overseeing ice hockey in England and Wales, has expressed its commitment to improving player safety. In a release, the association stated that it is both legally and morally obligated to respond to such accidents and prevent future incidents. The EIHA also acknowledged the likelihood of comprehensive evaluations taking place at the international level and pledged to play an active role in this process.
While severe neck injuries are uncommon in hockey, they are not unprecedented. In 1989, NHL player Clint Malarchuk suffered a severed jugular vein after being cut on the neck by a skate. He survived but developed post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. In 2008, Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers had his carotid artery sliced open by a teammate’s skate, requiring emergency surgery. He missed the rest of the season but was able to return to play the following year.
It is worth noting that no professional ice hockey league in North America currently mandates the use of neck guards. However, the EIHA’s decision to make them mandatory in English Ice Hockey could potentially influence other leagues to reconsider their stance on this issue.
The implementation of mandatory neck guards is aimed at preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The EIHA has emphasized that all protective equipment must be worn without alterations and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. While the mandate will officially take effect on January 1, 2024, the EIHA encourages players to start using neck guards as soon as possible.
The decision to make neck guards mandatory has raised awareness about player safety in ice hockey. It serves as a reminder of the risks involved in the sport and the importance of taking proactive measures to protect players. The EIHA’s commitment to improving player safety is commendable, and it is hoped that other organizations and leagues will follow suit.
In conclusion, the English Ice Hockey Association has made approved neck guards/protectors mandatory for all players in English Ice Hockey. This decision comes after the tragic death of Adam Johnson and aims to improve player safety. The mandate will take effect on January 1, 2024, but players are strongly recommended to start using neck guards before then. The EIHA’s commitment to player safety is commendable, and it is hoped that other leagues will follow suit in prioritizing the well-being of their players.