The AHL finally implements massive safety measure for players and officials
Yesterday, the AHL finally implemented a massive safety measure for players and officials after months of debates.
The question of neck guards has been subject to many debates over the past years. There's no doubt that it adds crucial protection for anyone who wears it on the ice.
Last year, the former NHLer Adam Johnson tragically passed away from his injuries after being cut to the neck by a skate blade during a game. After spending a few years in the American system, notably playing 13 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Johnson decided to pursue his hockey career in Europe, in the EIHL, in England, with the Nottingham Panthers.
Since his passing, multiple leagues around the globe have made neck guards mandatory, and the American Hockey League will officially follow that trend.
They shared the following press release yesterday, confirming the news:
"SPRINGFIELD, Mass. American Hockey League President and CEO Scott Howson announced today that the AHL's Board of Governors has unanimously approved the mandatory use of cut-resistant neck protection by all of its players and on-ice officials, beginning with the upcoming 2024-25 season.
All AHL skaters, referees, and linespersons, regardless of age or experience, will be required to wear approved cut-resistant neck protection beginning this fall. Cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves were previously mandated for AHL players and officials beginning with the 2023-24 season.
In operation since 1936, the AHL serves as the top development league for all 32 National Hockey League teams. Nearly 90 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 130 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL in their careers."
All AHL skaters, referees, and linespersons, regardless of age or experience, will be required to wear approved cut-resistant neck protection beginning this fall. Cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves were previously mandated for AHL players and officials beginning with the 2023-24 season.
In operation since 1936, the AHL serves as the top development league for all 32 National Hockey League teams. Nearly 90 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 130 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL in their careers."
With the AHL making that change, many fans hope to see the NHL do the same thing, or at least more NHLers decide to wear it.
Source for Adam Johnson's statistics: Elite Prospects
Source: AHL
AHL to mandate cut-resistant neckwear for all players, officials
| POLL | ||
Do you think the NHL will make neckguards mandatory in the next five years? | ||
| Yes | 144 | 87.3 % |
| No | 21 | 12.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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