Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson in action during an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, file)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Horrible Incident

WHL & SJHL set to discuss mandatory neck guards after death of former NHLer

Oct 31, 2023 | 5:28 PM

Should neck guards be mandatory for all hockey players?

That’s something the Western Hockey League (WHL) and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) are set to discuss after former NHLer Adam Johnson passed away when his neck was cut by a skate during a game in England.

“With the tragic death of Adam Johnson this past weekend, the Western Hockey League will be reviewing its position on mandatory neck guards for all players,” read a statement from the WHL.

The league has nothing in its rule book that forces players to wear some sort of neck protection. Guards are mandatory for players in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

As for the SJHL, Commissioner Kyle McIntyre said neck guards are recommended but not mandatory for his players.

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“Those are options for players, if a player wants to wear that we’re certainly going to support it and encourage that.”

The only players who have to wear a neck guard are those under the age of 18 across the country.

“If someone from the (Prince Albert) Mintos was playing as an affiliate with the Nipawin Hawks or Melfort Mustangs, they’re required to wear them,” added McIntyre.

This is because of a rule set by Hockey Saskatchewan which makes it a must for any minor players to where some form of neck protection.

The SJHL will have a coaches meeting in November and a Board of Directors meeting in January where they plan on discussing the idea.

Meanwhile, the general manager of Hockey Saskatchewan believes most people are already wearing neck guards.

Kelly McClintock noted this because they’re already used to wearing them due to the rule for minor hockey players. This measure has been in place for over 30 years.

He said the biggest challenge leagues are facing is actually making sure people are wearing them properly or using an appropriate guard.

“There are times where it may look like a neck guard, but it’s not really a neck guard,” he said.

Despite most players already using them, McClintock does believe a mandatory rule could be beneficial to ensure everyone is safe.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow