BREAKING: Entire Nation Makes Neck Guards Mandatory In The Wake Of Adam Johnson's Death

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Tom Banks
October 30, 2023 (3:10 PM)

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The hockey world has been mourning the tragic events that have taken place in England recently, and today, the league made a great announcement for the future of the sport in the UK.

A mandatory move

After the tragedy surrounding Adam Johnson, the English Ice Hockey Association in the UK has officially made neck guards mandatory.

This mandate will start with the 2024 season, and while it may not prevent all injuries and tragedies such as this, it's certainly a step in the right direction for player protection.

As in all sports, the safety of our players must take precedence above all else," the statement read. "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. - EIHA statement.

More safety needed

Given the amount of physicality and danger involved with the sport, there's no doubting that more safety precautions should be taken all around the world, and now the question is whether the NHL or North America will take the same step.

In lower leagues in North America we often see more protective measures, and while it's unlikely to be brought in at the NHL level anytime soon, the junior leagues should certainly consider this action moving forward.