Neck guards are set to become mandatory in the UK after Nottingham Panthers star Adam Johnson died during a game against Sheffield Steelers.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) have issued a statement detailing the changes following Johnson’s death.
Johnson, 29, suffered a serious cut to his neck caused by an opponent player’s skate during the 35th minute of the Challenge Cup game on Saturday. The Panthers confirmed he had died in a statement released on Sunday (October 28).
The EIHA published a statement on Monday, October 30 afternoon. It said it was not making the requirement to wear neck protection mandatory “due to anticipated supply issues”.
The statement said: “Undoubtedly, this moment in time casts a sombre shadow upon our global sporting community, serving as a stark reminder of our collective responsibilities as custodians of the sport.
“As in all sports, the safety of our players must take precedence above all else. We are firmly committed to our obligation to exhaust every possible means to ensure that a tragic incident of this nature never befalls our sport again.”
The statement then split changes into three categories – short-term (immediate), medium-term (within 12 months) and long-term (ongoing). In terms of short-term, the EIHA said: “The EIHA makes a ‘strong recommendation’ that all players at all levels across English ice hockey use an approved ice hockey neck guard/protector whilst participating in all on ice activities.
“This ‘strong recommendation’ is in place until 31 December 2023, after which it will become a mandatory requirement. It is not mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues.
“This will be under constant review between now and mandatory implementation. All protective equipment must be worn without alterations and as directed by the manufacturers’ specification.”
It added that the EIHA will conduct a “thorough” Player Safety Equipment review “including, but not limited to, the use of helmets, mouthguards/gumshields and facial protection, and the application of IIHF rules”. Clubs will also be required to “be able to demonstrate that they proactively manage Player Safety within their organisations”, long-term.
The statement added: “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 comprehensive process.”
