AHL finally enforces crucial new safety protocols for players and officials
Photo credit: HTR
Yesterday, the American Hockey League (AHL) announced a significant safety upgrade for the upcoming season.
The league has mandated cut-resistant neck protection for all players and officials, a measure that follows extensive discussions and recent tragedies in the sport.
The issue of neck guards has been contentious for years, but their importance became starkly apparent after the tragic death of former NHL player Adam Johnson. Johnson, who had a stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins before moving to Europe, succumbed to a neck injury sustained from a skate blade while playing in the EIHL with the Nottingham Panthers. His passing highlighted the critical need for enhanced protective gear.
In response to this, many leagues worldwide have made neck guards mandatory, and the AHL is now joining their ranks. The league's press release details the new rule, effective from the 2024-25 season:
"SPRINGFIELD, Mass. American Hockey League President and CEO Scott Howson announced today that the AHL's Board of Governors has unanimously approved the mandatory use of cut-resistant neck protection by all of its players and on-ice officials, beginning with the upcoming 2024-25 season.
All AHL skaters, referees, and linespersons, regardless of age or experience, will be required to wear approved cut-resistant neck protection beginning this fall. Cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves were previously mandated for AHL players and officials beginning with the 2023-24 season.
In operation since 1936, the AHL serves as the top development league for all 32 National Hockey League teams. Nearly 90 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 130 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL in their careers."
All AHL skaters, referees, and linespersons, regardless of age or experience, will be required to wear approved cut-resistant neck protection beginning this fall. Cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves were previously mandated for AHL players and officials beginning with the 2023-24 season.
In operation since 1936, the AHL serves as the top development league for all 32 National Hockey League teams. Nearly 90 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and more than 130 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame spent time in the AHL in their careers."
With the AHL's commitment to player safety, many hockey enthusiasts are now calling for similar measures in the NHL. The hope is that this move will inspire the NHL to adopt mandatory neck guards or encourage more players to use them voluntarily.
Source for Adam Johnson's statistics: Elite Prospects
| POLL | ||
24 AOUT | 84 ANSWERS AHL finally enforces crucial new safety protocols for players and officials Do you believe the NHL will require neck guards within the next five years? | ||
| Yes | 74 | 88.1 % |
| No | 10 | 11.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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