Neck guards to be compulsory

Neck guards will become compulsory at all International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) events including the Olympics and the men’s and women’s world championships, the sport’s governing body announced on Monday

The move comes just weeks after the death of American Adam Johnson, who played for Nottingham Panthers in Britain’s Elite Ice Hockey League.

Johnson, 29, died on October 28 after being hit in the neck by an opposition player’s skate during a match in Sheffield.

Neck guards are not yet compulsory in professional leagues including the NHL, while the IIHF is yet to announce a start date for its new ruling, given delays in procuring the required equipment.

An IIHF statement read: “The IIHF council, on recommendation from its medical committee, has decided to mandate the use of a neck laceration protector, specifically designed for this purpose, at all levels of IIHF competitions.

“The exact date this mandate will go into effect for the senior categories will be determined by the supply situation. The IIHF remains in close contact with its suppliers to ensure they are able to respond to the current high demand.

“Until the rule officially goes into effect, the IIHF continues to strongly recommend that neck laceration protectors are worn by all players performing in an IIHF competition.”

A man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following Johnson’s death and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

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AFP

(NAMPA / AFP)