Since the death of Adam Johnson, who was injured in the neck by a skate during a game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers in England, the use of neck guards for ice hockey players has become a major topic of discussion.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has introduced a neck protection requirement for all players taking part in the next Junior World Championship, which will take place from December 26, 2023 to January 5, 2024 in Gothenburg, Sweden, according to Darren Dreger from TSN.
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However, according to the journalist, the athletes participating in the Men’s U18 World Championship must also do the same. However, no decision has yet been made for the men’s and women’s World Championships.
Following the tragic incident involving the former Pittsburgh Penguins player, several minor leagues in Canada and the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) have mandated the wearing of neck protectors.
In the National Hockey League (NHL), several skaters such as TJ Oshie of the Washington Capitals have decided to move forward with this piece of equipment. However, the Bettman Circuit does not require this form of neck protection, although discussions have been held with the NHL Players’ Association on the matter.