The hockey world has been shocked to its core, following Adam Johnson's sudden death. Many leagues including the NHL are debating implementing a mandatory neck guard policy. The Elite Ice Hockey League has already mandating it starting December 31st.
Three NHL Teams To Practice Wearing Neck Guards
It is now being reported that the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals have ordered neck protection for their players. It has not been mandated to wear them but the feeling is players will voluntarily start wearing them.
"I know of at least three that have started the process of implementing optional neck protection for their teams. That being a Pittsburgh Penguins, who once employed Adam Johnson, the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes. All three of those teams have ordered equipment and are going to have their players test it out and practice and go from there."
-Chris Johnston
-Chris Johnston
The Penguins are the only one of the three previously mentioned teams to have a mandatory policy in place for their AHL and ECHL teams. The NHL is not likely to make a policy within the season, but neck guards may become more relevant than years past.
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Players Already Starting to Wear Neck Protection
With much talk about the importance of a neck guard many players and fans have begun wearing neck guards in their own games. While no NHL player has worn an neck guard in a game, AHL players have taken it upon themselves to start wearing them on their own.
NHL players are usually stern in their ways, with some not changing their equipment for their whole NHL playing career. Some resistance would be expected from the players, the belief by many is the amount of players wearing a neck guard is going to increase by a fair bit.
As Seen on House of Hockey - Two New NHL Teams Begin To Experiment With Neck Guards
| POLL | ||
31 OCTOBRE | 244 ANSWERS Report: Three NHL Teams To Test Out New Neck Guard Equipment Will you wear a neck guard now? | ||
| Yes | 215 | 88.1 % |
| No | 29 | 11.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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