The English Ice Hockey Association is taking action following the tragic death of Adam Johnson. The 29-year-old American passed away last week after an iron from a skate ended up in his neck during a match of his club Nottingham Panthers. As of January 1, ice hockey players will be required to wear a neck protector.
According to the association, it is not organizationally possible to impose the obligation immediately. But players are advised to put on the protectors immediately before the match. “It is unacceptable that a player loses his life during a match. It is our responsibility to prevent such heartbreaking accidents in the future.”
The incident took place during a match in the EIHL, the highest British ice hockey league. The derby between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers was shocked by a tragic incident in minute 35. Johnson, who also played briefly in the better-known NHL (the American National Hockey League) during his career, got a skate from an opponent in his neck and immediately started bleeding profusely.
The injury was so serious that the match was immediately stopped. Johnson was given first aid on the ice, but unfortunately to no avail. He died a few hours later from his injuries in hospital
Neck protectors are not mandatory at Dutch matches or international matches.
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