In light of the passing of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson, the English Ice Hockey Association will mandate neck guard use starting next season.
In an accident during Saturday’s Challenge Cup match against Sheffield Steelers, Johnson’s neck was cut by a player’s skate.
Although neck guards are not required for senior players in the UK, the EIHA, which oversees competitions lower than the Elite League, where Johnson competed, announced that they will be starting the following year.
They added that wearing them prior to that time was something they “strongly recommended” players do.
In the wake of Johnson’s passing, neck guards are only required for all players in the UK under the age of 18, and it is currently unclear if the Elite League will heed the EIHA’s advice.
“It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport,” the EIHA declared. Our duty extends beyond preventing the recurrence of this tragic accident to include anticipating and responding to other incidents that may occur in the future.
“We bear both a legal and moral obligation to respond in a measured and pragmatic way.”
