SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The American Hockey League introduced Friday that cut-resistant neck safety is obligatory for each participant and on-ice official throughout all 32 groups starting this season.
AHL President and CEO Scott Howson mentioned the league’s Board of Governors had unanimously authorised the transfer, which applies to any skater and official, no matter age and expertise. The league a 12 months in the past mandated use of cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves.
The 2023 death of American hockey player Adam Johnson from a skate minimize to the neck throughout a sport in England has prompted leagues all over the world to debate methods to prevent such injuries, together with a brand new mandate for young players in america. Johnson, a former NHL participant with Pittsburgh, was 29.
Hockey Canada has mandated neck guard safety for youth gamers for 3 many years. The death of Connecticut high school player Teddy Balkind from a skate minimize to the neck in 2022 brought the conversation back to the forefront.
The Worldwide Ice Hockey Federation introduced in December it’ll mandate neck guards in any respect ranges of tournaments it runs. The NHL at present doesn’t have a mandate, and it will be topic to negotiations between the league and the gamers’ union.
In operation since 1936, the AHL is the highest improvement league for all 32 NHL groups.
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