Neck protection becomes mandatory
DEL reacts to horror accident with new rules
November 7, 2023, 1:56 p.m
During an ice hockey game there is a terrible accident that ends in death. A horror scenario that should not be repeated. The German Ice Hockey League ensures corresponding consequences.
The death of ice hockey professional Adam Johnson caused great consternation, now the American’s terrible accident in a game in the top English league also has consequences for the professionals in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL): if possible from January 1st , from February 1, 2024 at the latest, players of DEL clubs must wear neck protection. At the end of October, Johnson had the neck of a player from his Nottingham Panthers slashed by the blades of an opponent’s shoe. The 29-year-old collapsed on the ice after suffering severe blood loss, and the former Augsburg Panthers player died in hospital a short time later.
“It’s a sad occasion, but the discussion produced a good result. We’re doing what we can and hope that one or two accidents will be prevented in the future,” said DEL managing director Gernot Tripcke to ARD. The decision that all players will have to wear neck protection on the ice in the future was made on Monday at a DEL meeting, in which player representatives also took part. “Bild” reports a unanimous agreement between the sports directors of the 14 DEL clubs. Until now, neck protection in Germany was only mandatory for juniors.
When the new rule actually comes into force depends on the delivery options for the protection, which is made of cut-resistant special material, reports sportschau.de. In England, where Johnson died, neck and neck protection will also be mandatory from 2024.
The Adler Mannheim had already worn neck protection for their game in Düsseldorf last Friday. National team captain Moritz Müller was “initially skeptical about the neck brace” and wanted “every player to be able to decide for themselves. But now I’m a supporter because it protects the player and doesn’t change the game itself,” said the professional the Cologne Sharks on the portal watson.de.
“…when I think of my children”
In the North American NHL, the largest ice hockey league in the world, a possible new rule is still being voted on. “Whether it’s something that’s directly mandated or phased in, we’ll talk to the players’ union about that,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettmann said. Without the approval of the NHLPA, there will be no changes to the equipment, explained the 71-year-old. “We will consider everything,” said NHLPA director Marty Walsh.
Others had created facts for themselves just a few days after Johnson’s terrible accident. “It hit me pretty hard when I think about my kids,” American TJ Oshie told The Athletic. “They could grow up without a father. It’s just so sad and makes me think twice about how I can protect myself and my neck out there. Whether it looks cool or not.” The Washington Capitals striker was the first NHL professional to wear a neck protector in the game against the New York Islanders last Thursday.