AHL imposes major equipment change for its players after the tragic passing of Adam Johnson
Heads up, AHL fans-there's a new safety rule in place. Starting this fall, all AHL skaters, referees, and linespersons, no matter their age or experience, must wear approved cut-resistant neck protection.
The change follows the tragic incident involving former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson, who passed away after taking a skate to the neck while playing for the Nottingham Panthers in England last October.
USA Hockey has taken this intuitive requiring all players under 18 to wear neck guards. As registered member myself playing in the ACHA, our coach has required our team to wear protection during games.
The AHL, around since 1936, remains the top development league for the NHL and is regarded as the second best league in the world.
Nearly 90 percent of current NHL players having graduated from the AHL, and over 130 Hockey Hall of Fame members have honed their skills here, making it a vital stepping stone in hockey circles. Each organization has an NHL affiliate.
By enforcing these new regulations, the AHL hopes to protect everyone on the ice from the risk of unforseen injuries.
While some may view these rules as too restrictive, they represent a necessary step in making the ice a safer environment for everyone involved in the sport we love.
| POLL | ||
23 AOUT | 76 ANSWERS AHL imposes major equipment change for its players after the tragic passing of Adam Johnson What Do You Think About the AHL's New Neck Protection Rule? | ||
| Absolutely Necessary | 68 | 89.5 % |
| Too Restrictive | 8 | 10.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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