Former Canucks player's skate blade slashes across the face of former Ducks player during hockey game
During a game in the SHL, a very scary moment occurred in overtime when the skate blade of a former Canucks player slashed the face of a former Ducks player.
Severe dangers are posed by skate blade slashing incidents to the face and neck area in hockey, as they can cause extremely serious injuries: deep lacerations, nerve damage, and even life-threatening situations.
Speed and intensity are high in a hockey game, and with the sharp skate blades of the players, even accidental contact can result in disastrous situations.
Such high-profile injuries as with Clint Malarchuk and Richard Zednik point out that these kinds of cuts can indeed be severe to the point where massive bleeding, sometimes with possible fatal outcomes, may occur, and immediate action is required.
Who can forget the unfortunate incident that took the life of Adam Johnson in a British hockey league last year. More needs to be done to prevent this going forward.
But unfortunately, during an SHL game last night, another scary neck-slashing incident took place involving former player of the Vancouver Canucks Anton Rodin and former Anaheim Ducks player Albin Sundsvik.
Scary scenes in the SHL as Brynäs Anton Rödin's skate blade slashes across the face of Rögle player Albin Sundsvik in Overtime. Rögle BK announced that he is doing well and is being treated in hospital.
The incident required 10 stitches to close the cut in what could have been a situation that had far worse consequences, so everyone should be thankful this is as bad as it got.
A multi-dimensional approach would reduce such risks going forward. First, there should be a policy requiring protective equipment, such as neck guards, at all levels of play.
Although some leagues do make neck protection compulsory, this has been adopted very inconsistently. Modern neckguards are cut-resistant, using materials such as Kevlar, making them lightweight and comfortable for players to wear.
Second, better awareness and training can lower the incidences of accidental blade contact.
Both players and coaches should be educated on how to maintain control over their movements during gameplay, which would then reduce the likelihood of collisions and falls that expose the skate blades.
Lastly, equipment design innovations can improve safety. Manufacturers of skates can research blade coatings or rounding of edges that will reduce the chance of deep cuts.
Enforcing these measures, coupled with harsher penalties for reckless play, can help keep hockey a very exciting but safer sport. Ensuring the health of the players will mean that the game will continue to be enjoyed without unnecessary risks.
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