The ice hockey community is mourning the loss of Adam Johnson, a former NHL player who died from a neck injury during a game in England. His death has sparked calls for mandatory neck guards and protectors for all players.
What happened to Adam Johnson?
Adam Johnson was a 29-year-old American ice hockey player who played for the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), the highest level of ice hockey in the UK. On October 28, 2023, he was playing against the Sheffield Steelers at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, when he was accidentally hit in the neck by the skate blade of a Steelers player who had fallen down. He suffered a deep cut to his neck that severed his carotid artery and jugular vein, causing massive blood loss. He was rushed to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield, where he was pronounced dead.
Johnson had played in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Anaheim Ducks, as well as in other leagues in North America and Europe. He was described by his teammates and coaches as a talented, hard-working, and kind-hearted player who loved the game and his family.
Why are neck guards and protectors important?
Neck guards and protectors are pieces of protective equipment that cover the neck area and prevent cuts from skate blades, sticks, or pucks. They are usually made of foam, plastic, or Kevlar, and can be worn as standalone devices or integrated into a turtleneck shirt. They are designed to prevent injuries like the one that killed Johnson, which are rare but potentially fatal.
According to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the global governing body of ice hockey, neck guards and protectors are recommended but not mandatory for players over the age of 18. However, some leagues and associations have their own rules regarding neck protection. For example, Hockey Canada requires all goaltenders and players in minor and female hockey programs to wear BNQ-certified throat protectors, but not junior and senior players. The Western Hockey League (WHL), a major junior league in Canada and the US, recently announced that it will make neck guards mandatory for all players starting from the 2024-25 season. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ ECHL and AHL affiliates also followed suit and mandated neck guards for their players.
What are the challenges and benefits of wearing neck guards and protectors?
Some players may resist wearing neck guards and protectors because they find them uncomfortable, restrictive, or unnecessary. They may also feel that wearing them is a sign of weakness or fear. However, many experts and advocates argue that wearing neck guards and protectors is a matter of safety and common sense, and that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Some of the benefits of wearing neck guards and protectors are:
- They can prevent life-threatening injuries from skate blades, sticks, or pucks, which can happen to anyone at any level of play, as Johnson’s case showed.
- They can reduce the risk of infection, scarring, or nerve damage from minor cuts or abrasions to the neck area, which are more common than major injuries.
- They can increase the confidence and peace of mind of players, coaches, and parents, knowing that they are protected from a potential tragedy.
- They can set a good example for younger players and fans, who may look up to their role models and emulate their behavior.
What are the next steps for ice hockey safety?
Johnson’s death has raised awareness and concern about ice hockey safety, especially regarding neck protection. Many ice hockey players and organizations have expressed their condolences and support for Johnson’s family, and have called for action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Some of the actions that have been taken or proposed are:
- The coroner investigating Johnson’s death has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, addressed to Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association, the governing bodies of ice hockey in the UK. The report states that there is a risk of future deaths if neck guards and protectors are not worn, and requires a response within 56 days.
- The English Ice Hockey Association, which oversees the lower levels of ice hockey in the UK, has announced that it will make neck guards and protectors mandatory for all players from 2024 onwards. However, the EIHL, which Johnson played in, is not under its jurisdiction and has not made any changes to its rules.
- The IIHF has said that it will review its recommendations on neck protection, and will consult with its medical committee and player safety committee. The IIHF also said that it will support any national federation that decides to make neck guards and protectors mandatory for its players.
- The NHL has not made any official statement on neck protection, but some players and teams have expressed their interest in wearing neck guards and protectors voluntarily. The NHL Players’ Association has also said that it will discuss the issue with its members and the league.
Ice hockey is a fast-paced and physical sport that involves inherent risks and dangers. However, with proper equipment, education, and enforcement, these risks can be minimized and managed. Johnson’s death is a tragic reminder of the importance of ice hockey safety, and a wake-up call for the ice hockey community to take action and protect its players.
