Contents
The tragic accidental death of Adam Johnson has sparked reflection in the hockey world. Also with the Swiss national team.
It’s now been just over a week since former NHL player Adam Johnson’s life was tragically taken away. The 29-year-old American was hit in the neck by a blade during a game in the British Ice Hockey Cup and died from his injuries.
Tragedy has provoked rethinking
Since then, there has been a heated debate in world ice hockey about wearing a neck protector. There is no compulsory neck protection requirement in this country like in Sweden or Finland. However, Johnson’s accidental death raised alarm bells for many Swiss players. “I discussed it with family and friends and we came to the same conclusion: ‘If you can protect yourself, why shouldn’t you do it?’ At the moment I’m wearing the neck protection,” says Sven Andrighetto from the ZSC Lions.
Legend:
Currently wearing neck protection on the ice
Sven Andrighetto.
Martin Meienberger/freshfocus
The tragedy surrounding Johnson has also triggered a rethinking of Zug’s Fabrice Herzog. He hasn’t worn anything similar since the junior levels, where a neck guard is mandatory – until now: “I have a suit with an integrated neck guard that I will now continue to wear.”
Personal responsibility instead of obligation
Andrighetto and Herzog won’t be the only ones at the upcoming Euro Hockey Tour in Tampere, Finland, with neck protection – be it a ruff or a cut-proof long-sleeved shirt. National team coach Patrick Fischer supports this: “There are now good products, not just for the neck, but also for the wrists and ankles. Every player bears personal responsibility.”
For Gery Büsser, there are no two opinions: “I strongly recommend that every player wear a neck protector.” The long-time ZSC team doctor was there first hand when a tragedy similar to Johnson’s occurred on Swiss ice in 2001. At that time, Michel Zeiter was seriously injured in the neck by an opponent’s runner in the indoor stadium. Fortunately, unlike Johnson’s, Zeiter’s carotid artery remained intact.