League and union address on-ice safety following player’s death in England.
1:00 AM UTC – November 2, 2023
(Reuters) – The National Hockey League (NHL) and the union representing its players have been in contact regarding further safety measures after a player in Britain’s Elite Ice Hockey League died when an opposing player’s skate blade cut his neck.
American forward Adam Johnson’s death, described as a “freak accident” by his team and being investigated by British police, sparked a dialogue on whether players at all levels of the game should be forced to wear neck protection.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in an ESPN report on Wednesday that the league wants to prioritize protection but added that players have the right to make decisions for themselves.
“Whether it’s something that’s mandated directly or on a phased-in basis, that’s something we’ll discuss with the players’ association,” Bettman said after a news conference at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where two outdoor NHL games will be played in February.
According to the report, Bettman said the issue of neck protection is not new and the NHL and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) already had a joint committee looking at ways to better protect players from cuts to the wrist, leg or worse.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), which is the sport’s governing body in England and Wales, said this week the safety of players must take precedence above all else and made neck guards mandatory from Jan. 1 for all on-ice activities.
The EIHA did not make neck guards mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues but made a “strong recommendation” that players at all levels across English Ice Hockey start using a neck guard.
The NHL/NHLPA Protective Subcommittee has been working to make sure players have access to cut-resistant equipment to address injuries to arms and legs that have occurred in recent years.
The NHLPA also educates players each year on the benefits of wearing the cut-resistant equipment so they can make informed equipment choices.
NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh, who was at the same news conference with Bettman, said everything was on the table when it came to potential equipment changes.
“We’re going to explore everything,” Walsh said in the ESPN report. “It’s in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy. I think we have to continue to have conversations on this as we move forward here.”
Later on Wednesday, the Western Hockey League (WHL), a junior league based in Western Canada, announced that it would make neck guard protection mandatory for all players beginning on Friday or as soon as the equipment was available to clubs.
Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, additional reporting by Rory Carroll, editing by Ed Osmond and Michael Perry
Elon Musk warns about the machines at the Global AI Safety Summit, Donald Trump Jr. takes the stand and Chinese cash may have ended up in Biden’s bank account.
Conservatives and independents are frequent targets of the radical left, and now the Anti-Defamation League is being weaponized to blacklist anyone who doesn’t promote their far-left agenda.
Democrats are exploiting the tragic shooting in Maine in hopes of promoting even more restrictive gun control measures.
The Director of the F.B.I. warns that the U.S. is facing the greatest terror threat since ISIS. Yet, he says it’s not time for panic, but to be vigilant.
China’s most popular social media platforms announced that “self-media” accounts with more than 500,000 followers will be asked to display real-name information
Intel rose more than 9% on Friday and sparked a jump in chip stocks after the personal computer market was rebounding from its quarters-long slump.
Amazon.com rose 7% on Friday as it aims for a larger share of the booming artificial intelligence market in a race with Microsoft.
Malaysia’s communications regulator will issue a warning to social media firms TikTok and Meta for allegedly blocking pro-Palestinian content on their platforms.
rnrn
How is the NHL Commissioner balancing the league’s commitment to player protection with the autonomy of players to make decisions about their own safety?
The Importance of Safety Measures in Ice Hockey Following Tragic Incident
In the wake of a tragic incident in Britain’s Elite Ice Hockey League, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the players’ union have initiated discussions regarding increased safety measures. The incident in question involved the death of American forward Adam Johnson, whose neck was accidentally cut by an opposing player’s skate blade. This unfortunate event has sparked a dialogue about the necessity of implementing neck protection for players at all levels of the game.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasized the league’s commitment to protecting its players in a recent ESPN report. However, he also acknowledged that players should have the autonomy to make decisions about their own safety. He stated, “Whether it’s something that’s mandated directly or on a phased-in basis, that’s something we’ll discuss with the players’ association.” Bettman made these comments after a news conference at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where two outdoor NHL games are scheduled to take place in February.
The issue of neck protection is not new to the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA). The two organizations already had a joint committee in place, focusing on improving player safety by addressing the risks of cuts to the wrist, leg, and other vulnerable areas. This tragedy has generated further urgency to explore additional measures, such as the implementation of mandatory neck guards.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), the governing body for the sport in England and Wales, has taken a strong stance on player safety. While anticipating potential supply issues, the EIHA will make neck guards mandatory for all on-ice activities from January 1st. They have emphasized that player safety should be the top priority, and they strongly recommend that players at all levels of English Ice Hockey start using neck guards immediately.
In North America, the NHLPA Protective Subcommittee has been working diligently to ensure players have access to cut-resistant equipment to address injuries to the arms and legs, which have become increasingly common in recent years. The NHLPA also educates players annually about the benefits of wearing this type of equipment, allowing them to make informed choices concerning their safety.
Marty Walsh, the Executive Director of the NHLPA, echoed Commissioner Bettman’s sentiments during the same news conference. He stated, “We’re going to explore everything. It’s in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy. I think we have to continue to have conversations on this as we move forward here.” This indicates that the NHLPA is open to considering various equipment changes that could further enhance player safety.
In response to these discussions, the Western Hockey League (WHL), a junior league based in Western Canada, has announced that it will make neck guard protection mandatory for all players. This regulation will come into effect from the earliest possible date, which is this Friday, or as soon as the necessary equipment becomes available to clubs.
As the NHL and the players’ union continue to address player safety concerns, it is evident that the tragic incident in the Elite Ice Hockey League has highlighted the importance of implementing further safety measures. It is essential to prioritize the protection of players from potential injuries, particularly those that could have potentially fatal consequences. By actively exploring and implementing necessary changes, the NHL and other ice hockey organizations can ensure the safety and well-being of their players on and off the ice.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...