Red Bull stumbles again
Consequences of Johnson’s death: Mannheim wears neck protection
November 3rd, 2023, 10:53 p.m
The hockey world is in shock after the tragic death of Adam Johnson. The former DEL professional dies after a runner cuts his neck. The Adler Mannheim draw conclusions and wear neck protection in the game against Düsseldorfer EG.
The Adler Mannheim were the first German team to react to the fatal accident in Great Britain and played with neck protection for the first time on matchday 17 of the German Ice Hockey League. The injury-plagued Adler lost 2:3 (0:1, 1:1, 1:1) at the second-to-last table in Düsseldorf.
Former DEL professional Adam Johnson had his neck slashed by his opponent’s razor-sharp blade as a result of a collision last Saturday during his Nottingham Panthers’ game in the English professional league against the Sheffield Steelers. The 29-year-old American, who was on the ice for the Augsburg Panthers last season, died in hospital from his serious injuries.
After the terrible death, national team captain Moritz Müller intervened in the debate about compulsory neck and neck protection in German ice hockey. “At first I was skeptical about the neck brace and wanted every player to be able to decide for themselves,” said the defender of former champions Kölner Haie to the online portal watson.de: “But now I’m a supporter because it protects the player and “The game itself doesn’t change.”
Eisbären lose to Cologne in a penalty shootout
The Eisbären Berlin remain leaders despite the 0:1 (0:0, 0:0, 0:0, 0:0) defeat after a penalty shootout against the Kölner Haie. In the shootout for Cologne, who celebrated another victory after three defeats, national goalkeeper Tobias Ancicka excelled with 48 saves and four saved penalties. Hot on the Berliners’ heels are the Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven, who defeated Augsburg 3:2 (2:0, 0:1, 1:1) and consolidated second place in the table with their eleventh win from the last twelve games. Ross Mauermann made the decision with his second goal in the 53rd minute.
After four wins in a row, champions Red Bull Munich suffered another defeat in a 1:2 (0:0, 1:0, 0:2) against the Straubing Tigers and missed the jump to third place. Straubing is still there, turning the deficit in the final third with two goals from Matt Bradley (47th) and Michael Connolly (53rd).