AHL mandates cut-resistant neck protection for all players and officials after Adam Johnson's tragic passing

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Daniel Lucente
August 23, 2024 (1:51 PM)

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Adam Johnson tragically passed away in October 2023 after his neck was cut by a skate blade. The AHL has just mandated the use of neck guards for next season.

Adam Johnson was a British hockey player who tragically died on October 28, 2023. He was playing for the Sheffield Steelers in a game against the Nottingham Panthers in the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League when he suffered a fatal injury.

During the game, Johnson was struck by a skate blade in a freak accident that severed an artery in his neck. Despite immediate medical attention, he could not be saved. His death was a major loss to the hockey world, highlighting the dangerous risks of playing a game on skates without adequate protection.

There's been talk around the NHL about whether mandatory neck guards would be brought in after this accident, and while no decision has been made by the league yet, NHL players began wearing neck guards last season, voluntarily.

It appears that the American Hockey League (AHL) has decided to officially mandate the use of neck guards for the upcoming season.

Scott Howson, President and CEO of the American Hockey League, revealed today that the AHL's Board of Governors has unanimously endorsed a new policy requiring all players as well as officials to wear cut-resistant neck guards, starting with the 2024-25 season. This new mandate will apply to all skaters, referees, and linesmen across the league, regardless of their experience or age. Previously, cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves were mandated for the 2023-24 season, which will obviously remain for next season as well.

Founded in 1936, the AHL functions as the premier developmental league for the NHL's 32 teams. Today, nearly 90% of NHL players are AHL alumni, and over 130 members of the Hockey Hall of Fame have spent time in the league during their careers. It is truly a respected league in North America.

We would like to honor Adam Johnson by ending with a video tribute to all of the success he had as a player in the NHL, and in other leagues as well. Rest in peace Adam, and it's because of your sacrifice that other players will be protected for decades to come.

Source: The AHL
AHL to mandate cut-resistant neckwear for all players, officials