A young junior hockey player came close to a serious incident when he was injured in the neck by a skate during a game in Ontario, but the protective gear he was wearing saved him.
A U16AAA player required stitches in the neck after being hit by the blade of a skate, according to officials with the Hockey Eastern Ontario Association.
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“Luckily he was wearing a neck brace, otherwise it could have been much worse. This could have happened any day on any ice. Protective equipment is important for everyone.”
However, according to the organization’s X account, the player should make a full recovery from this painful mishap, which is reminiscent of the incident that took the life of former National Hockey League player Adam Johnson.
The picture you see here is from a U16AAA game that took place last night @HEOhockey. The player was hit by an ice skate. Luckily he was wearing a neck protector, otherwise it could have been much worse. This can happen any night at any rink. Protective equipment is important for everyone. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/ZAlpmQi2oj
— HEO Officiating Program (@heo_officiating) November 16, 2023
Since the death of the Nottingham Panthers jersey wearer in England, neck protection has become mandatory in several minor leagues in Canada. Some athletes in the Bettman circuit have also started testing it in practice and games.
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle also came perilously close to disaster against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday when Elias Lindholm hit him in the face with his skate. The 21-year-old security guard escaped with a small cut to his mouth.