Consequences of Johnson's death: Mannheim wears neck protection
Adler Mannheim were the first German team to react to the fatal accident in Great Britain by playing with neck protection for the first time on match day 17 of the German Ice Hockey League. The injury-plagued Adler lost 2:3 (0:1, 1:1, 1:1) at the penultimate team in the table, Düsseldorf.
Former DEL professional Adam Johnson had his neck slashed open by the razor-sharp blade of his opponent in a collision during his Nottingham Panthers' game against the Sheffield Steelers in the English professional league last Saturday. The 29-year-old American, who had been on the ice for the Augsburg Panthers last season, succumbed to his serious injuries in hospital.
After the horrific death, national team captain Moritz Müller joined the debate about mandatory 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," the defender of former champions Kölner Haie told the online portal watson.de: "But now I'm a supporter because it protects the player and doesn't change the game itself."
Polar Bears lose to Cologne in penalty shootout
The Eisbären Berlin remain top of the table despite the 0:1 (0:0, 0:0, 0:0, 0:0) defeat on penalties against the Kölner Haie. National goalkeeper Tobias Ancicka excelled in the shootout for Cologne, who celebrated another win after their last three defeats, with 48 saves and four saved penalties. 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, remain hot on the heels of the Berliners. Ross Mauermann made sure of the decision with his second goal in the 53rd minute.
After four wins in a row, champions Red Bull Munich suffered another defeat against the Straubing Tigers (1:2, 0:0, 1:0, 0:2) and missed the jump to third place. Straubing, who turned the deficit around in the final third with two goals from Matt Bradley (47th) and Michael Connolly (53rd), remain in third place.
In light of Adam Johnson's tragic incident, the DEL should consider implementing mandatory neck protection for all players, as highlighted by Moritz Müller. Despite the adverse conditions, DEL team Adler Mannheim managed to play an Ice hockey match with neck protection, showing resilience after Johnson's fatal collision in an English league game.
Source: www.ntv.de
