Flowers and memorials decorate the front of the Motorpoint Arena, the home stadium of the Nottingham Panthers, mourning the recent passing of forward Adam Johnson.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has declared that wearing neck guards will be compulsory in “all on-ice activities” starting in 2024.
This decision is a direct response to the tragic death of Adam Johnson, a forward for the Nottingham Panthers, who succumbed to a severe neck laceration inflicted by a skate blade during a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers this past Saturday.
According to sources at Sport News Center, Johnson was not equipped with a neck guard at the time of the incident.
Current UK regulations allow players to forgo neck guards once they reach the age of 18. The EIHA, which manages all ice hockey tiers in England except the top-flight Elite League where Johnson was a player, has also immediately “strongly recommended” that all players don a neck guard to “prevent a recurrence of such a heartbreaking incident in our sport.”
Whether the Elite League will conform to the EIHA’s new safety guidelines remains uncertain.
“The loss of life in any sport is entirely unacceptable,” said an official EIHA statement. “We have both a legal and moral duty to act judiciously and proactively. We are open to participating in broader international discussions and assessments concerning player safety.”
The mandate for immediate neck guard usage is delayed due to “expected supply-chain constraints,” according to the EIHA. A comprehensive review of all safety gear is slated to occur over the next year.
Neck guards are already a requisite in Scottish Ice Hockey and Ice Hockey UK, which manages the Great Britain national team.
The late Johnson’s fiancée paid an emotional tribute to her “sweet angel” earlier this week, while authorities are still probing the circumstances of his death.
Changing Attitudes Toward Neck Guards
Abbie Culshaw, a Great Britain international player, stressed that mindsets about neck guards must shift in light of Johnson’s tragedy. Before the EIHA’s announcement, the Oxford City Stars, an English third-tier team, had already made neck protection obligatory for their team members.
“Neck guards are often seen as a nuisance and are commonly associated with younger players,” said Culshaw. She elaborated that players often mock or demean those who wear neck guards.
“Some may choose to wear them, but the majority avoid them unless mandated,” she added. “The discomfort is a small price to pay for safety. The culture needs to change.”
The Oxford City Stars’ Stand on Player Safety
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Shane Moore, director of hockey operations for Oxford City Stars, emphasized that “player safety must always be a priority.” He criticized the stigma attached to safety gear after players reach adulthood.
“Skate blades are incredibly sharp, making neck guards essential,” Moore said.
Global Stance on Neck Guards
Neck guards are already obligatory in some countries like Finland and Sweden. Germany’s top league is also contemplating similar measures. In the United States, their use is strongly advised because of the risk of severe neck injuries, though they are not mandatory across all leagues.
Time for a Change?
Seth Bennett, an ice hockey commentator, expressed the collective shock and sorrow within the ice hockey community. “Ice hockey is a sport cherished by families, and this incident raises many questions and concerns,” he said. “But the grim reality is that if players were to vote on wearing neck guards today, very few would opt in.”
This tragic incident could serve as a turning point for the sport, perhaps pushing it toward prioritizing player safety over longstanding traditions or discomfort. After all, the question that lingers is simple but poignant: is any amount of discomfort worth a life?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Neck Guards in Ice Hockey
What is the main focus of the article?
The main focus of the article is the English Ice Hockey Association’s new regulation that makes wearing neck guards mandatory for all ice hockey players in England starting in 2024. The rule comes in the wake of the tragic death of Nottingham Panthers’ forward Adam Johnson.
Who was Adam Johnson and what happened to him?
Adam Johnson was a forward for the Nottingham Panthers, a team in the Elite League of ice hockey in the UK. He tragically passed away after suffering a severe cut to his neck from a skate blade during a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers.
Are neck guards already mandatory in other countries?
Yes, neck guards are mandatory in other countries such as Finland and Sweden. Scottish Ice Hockey and Ice Hockey UK, which oversees the Great Britain national team, also require players to wear neck guards.
Why aren’t neck guards immediately mandatory according to the new EIHA rule?
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) cited “anticipated supply-chain constraints” as the reason for not making neck guards immediately mandatory. A full review of all safety gear will also take place over the next 12 months.
What is the current age limit for players not wearing neck guards in the UK?
Currently, players in the UK are allowed to play without neck guards once they turn 18.
What is the attitude towards neck guards in the ice hockey community?
The attitude toward wearing neck guards in the ice hockey community is somewhat mixed. They are often viewed as uncomfortable and associated with younger players. Great Britain international player Abbie Culshaw highlighted that the culture and attitudes toward neck guards “need to change” for the sake of player safety.
Is the Elite League adopting the EIHA’s new neck guard guidelines?
It is still unclear whether the Elite League, the top tier of ice hockey in the UK, will adopt the EIHA’s new safety guidelines concerning mandatory neck guards.
What are other teams doing in light of this tragedy?
Before the EIHA’s announcement, the Oxford City Stars, an English third-tier team, had already decided to make neck protection mandatory for their players and staff.
What is the stance of Ice Hockey commentators and analysts on this issue?
Ice hockey commentator Seth Bennett expressed that if players were to vote on wearing neck guards today, very few would opt to wear them. However, he also emphasized that this tragic incident raises questions and concerns about player safety that need to be addressed.
More about Neck Guards in Ice Hockey
- English Ice Hockey Association Official Statement
- Sport News Center’s Coverage on Adam Johnson’s Incident
- Interview with Abbie Culshaw on BBC Newsbeat
- BBC Radio 5 Live Interview with Oxford City Stars’ Shane Moore
- Global Ice Hockey Safety Regulations Overview
- Scottish Ice Hockey and Ice Hockey UK Safety Guidelines
- Seth Bennett’s Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live
- Oxford City Stars’ Official Statement on Player Safety
- USA Hockey Safety Recommendations
9 comments
Really well written article. Covers all the bases, from the sad news to the policy changes and what players really think. Keep up the good work.
Man, this is such a tragedy. No one should ever lose their life playing the sport they love. neck guards shoulda been mandatory a long time ago.
Not sure why the Elite league is holding out. Like, do they need another disaster to make up their mind or what?
EIHA waiting till 2024? Supply issues? Give me a break. Make it mandatory NOW.
Wearing extra gear is annoying, I get it. but you gotta think, is it more annoying than, y’know, dying? Think people, think.
My kid plays junior and I’m definitely making him wear a neck guard now. EIHA should’ve acted faster though, it shouldn’t take a tragedy to change rules.
its a real wake up call. We all gotta rethink what being ‘manly’ means. Safety first, guys.
If other countries are already doing it, why are we so behind? Sort it out EIHA. Also, big respect to Oxford City Stars for stepping up.
Finally, someone’s talking about safety gear. I mean, come on, we all hate wearing extra stuff, but if it saves a life, why not? Can’t ignore it now.