EIHA Making Neck Guards Mandatory After Adam Johnson’s Throat Cut by Skate

The English Ice Hockey Affiliation is altering its guidelines following the tragic dying of Adam Johnson … now making it obligatory for gamers to put on neck guards beginning in January.

The org. introduced the choice Monday, saying in a press release, “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 EIHA mentioned.

The brand new mandate comes roughly 48 hours after Johnson died following accidents he suffered when he was slashed within the throat by a skate throughout an on-ice collision.

EIHA officers initially mentioned the incident was “a freak accident” … although South Yorkshire Police mentioned Sunday they’re investigating the matter.

Johnson was simply 29 years outdated.

Whereas neck guards will nonetheless be elective for the rest of ’23 … the EIHA mentioned it is making a “strong recommendation” that gamers put on them whereas skating on the ice.

It added that the obligatory rule change would have been carried out instantly if not for anticipated provide points.

“It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport,” the EIHA mentioned. “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.”

EIHA officers mentioned extra rule modifications could possibly be coming down within the close to future … saying in its assertion, “We bear both a legal and a moral obligation to respond in a measured and pragmatic way.”