After Johnson's death: leagues are considering compulsory neck protection

“This is an extremely sad moment for our sport and a reminder of our duties,” writes the British Ice Hockey Federation regarding the death of Adam Johnson. The American died last week after an ice skate hit his throat. Since then, the world's top leagues have been thinking about introducing compulsory neck protection. Not just in Europe, also in North America.

The British association EIHA wrote in a statement on Monday that neck protection will be mandatory from 2024. Until then, the EIHA “strongly recommends” that all players wear protection. An obligation was not introduced immediately because “there will probably be supply problems”.

NHL is open The NHL is also looking into introducing a requirement. Deputy league boss Bill Day told the Canadian TV station TSN that “there is no reason why we shouldn’t do everything we can to protect our players.” Accordingly, some teams in the AHL and ECHL leagues have already introduced a requirement. Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said players will be given the opportunity to practice with it and get used to it.

Jeff Carter (left) would approve of a duty. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / BRUCE BENNETT

The professionals are open to the immediate obligation to wear neck protection. “Why not?” said Jeff Carter of the Penguins. “We should have tested it already, there should not have been an accident like this.” The Washington Capitals, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins also provide their players with neck protectors during training. The obligation already exists in the Canadian youth leagues OHL, in which South Tyrolean Tommy Purdeller plays, WHL and QMJHL. The situation is different in the USA, where no such regulation applies.

Situation in Europe The Scandinavian countries are pioneers in this area. In both Finland and Sweden, neck protection has been a must for over 20 years - at all levels. In Central Europe, however, the rule only exists in the youth sector. Once you reach the age of 18, the neck protection can be removed.

“At first I was skeptical about the neck brace and wanted every player to be able to decide for themselves,” said German national player Moritz Müller to the online portal watson: “I am now a supporter because it protects the player and does not change the game itself.” Given this, it is probably only a matter of time before the debate reaches the domestic scene.

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After Johnson's death: leagues are considering compulsory neck protection

The tragic death of Adam Johnson has caused horror in the ice hockey scene. The call for compulsory neck protection is getting louder and louder. The first leagues have now implemented these.

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