The Western Junior Hockey League (WHL) has decided to make it mandatory for all players to wear neck protection.
The circuit made this known on Wednesday, explaining that the measure for the collisions would come into force on Friday or as soon as protective equipment was available in the clubs.
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“The WHL anticipates difficulties in supplying neck protective equipment from approved suppliers due to increased demand following the tragic death of Adam Johnson,” the league wrote in a statement.
Last weekend, Johnson died as a result of a serious skating injury to his neck during a game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers, England.
Currently, similar measures have not been taken in Canada’s other two junior competitions, namely the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
During an interview with Sirius NHL Network Radio on Tuesday, National League deputy commissioner Bill Daly indicated that his district and the players’ association have had discussions about wearing neck braces.
According to Michael Russo, a journalist at The Athletic website, Gary Bettman’s right-hand man told him he hoped the horrific Johnson incident would encourage players to incorporate the item into their kit.
Daly would not assure that the NHL will eventually mandate the use of a neck brace, but indicated that officials would discuss it.