30 October 2023 , 19:56
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It will be mandatory to wear neck guards in Ice Hockey from 2024 onwards after The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) introduced new laws in light of Adam Johnson's death.
The Nottingham Panthers forward died at the weekend after suffering a serious cut to his neck from a skate during a Challenge Cup match against the Sheffield Steelers.
Players in the UK are allowed to play without neck guards once they turn 18, but that rule will change in a matter of months. The Elite League though is not governed by The EIHA, who oversees all levels of ice hockey in the England below that level, and it is unclear whether they will adopt those guidelines, as first reported by the BBC.
The EIHA have said: "It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport. Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.
"We bear both a legal and a moral obligation to respond in a measured and pragmatic way. There is a distinct likelihood that comprehensive evaluations will transpire at the international level, and the EIHA is committed to taking an active and constructive role in this process."
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Scottish Ice Hockey and Ice Hockey UK, who run the Great Britain national team, already make neck guards mandatory. The decision not to immediately make neck guards a must in England is due to "anticipated supply issues" with a full review of safety equipment to take place.
Neck guards will now become mandatory in EnglandPlayers at certain clubs have stated that the stigma surrounding neck guards needs to change. Due to it no longer being mandatory many senior players opt not to and wearing one is a barrier. "They're considered annoying and if you've got a neck guard you're still seen as like a junior," said Great Britain international Abbie Culshaw.
There has been an outpouring of emotion following Johnson's death, not least from his fiance who said on Instagram : "My sweet, sweet angel. I'll miss you forever and love you always."
South Yorkshire Police were called to the Utilita Arena in Sheffield following the shocking incident. They say it is "normal procedure" to open an investigation when an incident was reported. A force spokesperson added: "Our officers remain at the scene carrying out inquiries. Our investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing. We would encourage the public to avoid speculation regarding the incident while we continue our inquiries."