Adam Johnson was an American Hockey player. Johnson played 13 games in the National Hockey League with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. He had also played in Europe with Malmo Redhawks, Augsburger Panthers, and Nottingham Panthers. On October 28 during an Elite Ice Hockey Game in Europe, Adam Johnson was seriously injured after he suffered a slash to the neck. Due to the injury sustained by fellow player, Matt Petgraves skate blade, Johnson didn’t make it due to the serious injury. But there was no record of getting served with papers. “Many questions have been asked about the safety of the sport in which players fly around at high speeds with sharp implements strapped to their feet,” said ESPN staff. In an email release, the league said it anticipates delays in delivery due to a spike in demand after Johnson’s passing.
At the time there’s no mandate stating that NHL players have to wear neck guards however now there is. According to CTINSIDER NHL players do in fact have to wear neck guards. The Western Hockey League announced that neck guard protection must be worn by all players following the death of the former player Adam Johnson. Even women hockey players now have to wear protective gear. All players will be required to wear neck protection during all on-ice activities including WHL games and practices. Bauer, which manufactures the hockey equipment, is the ones who called the mandate on neck protection. Including the new guidelines to ensure that the mandate is forced across leagues of all levels. Also the NHL and USA Hockey strongly recommended the use of neck laceration protectors, but have not mandated them. Players seem to be doing good with the mandate. They are hoping to work towards developing more options for guys in the protective department.
