DEL reacts to horror accident with new rule
The death of professional ice hockey player Adam Johnson caused great consternation, and now the terrible accident involving the American in a game in the top English league also has consequences for the professionals in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL): players in DEL clubs will have to wear neck protection from January 1 if possible, and from February 1, 2024 at the latest. At the end of October, Johnson's neck was slashed by the blades of an opponent's shoe while playing for his Nottingham Panthers. The 29-year-old collapsed on the ice after losing a lot of blood, and the former Augsburg Panthers player died in hospital shortly afterwards.
"It's a sad occasion, but the discussion has resulted in a good outcome. We are doing what we can and hope that this will prevent one or two accidents in the future," DEL Managing Director Gernot Tripcke told ARD. The decision that all players must wear neck protection on the ice in future was made at a DEL meeting on Monday, which was also attended by player representatives. "Bild" reports that the sports directors of the 14 DEL clubs reached a unanimous agreement. Until now, neck protection was only mandatory in Germany for junior teams.
When the new rule will actually come into force depends on the availability of the protection, which is made of special cut-resistant material, reports sportschau.de. In England, where Johnson died, neck protection will also be mandatory from 2024.
Adler Mannheim already wore neck protection for their game in Düsseldorf last Friday. National team captain Moritz Müller was "initially skeptical about the neck brace" and wanted "every player to be able to decide for themselves. But now I'm in favor of it because it protects the player and doesn't change the game itself," the Cologne Sharks professional told the portal watson.de.
"... when I think of my children"
In the North American NHL, the largest ice hockey league in the world, a possible new rule is still being voted on. "Whether it's something that's directly mandated or phased in, we'll talk to the players' union about that," said NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Without the approval of the NHLPA, however, there will be no change to the equipment, explained the 71-year-old. "We will consider everything," said Marty Walsh, director of the NHLPA players' union.
Others had already established facts for themselves just a few days after Johnson's terrible accident. "It hit me pretty hard when I think about my kids," said the US-American TJ Oshie on "The Athletic". "They could grow up without a father. It's just so sad and makes me think twice about how to protect myself and my neck out there. Whether it looks cool or not." The Washington Capitals forward was the first NHL pro to wear neck protection in last Thursday's game against the New York Islanders.
The NHL is considering implementing a new rule regarding neck protection, following the tragic accident involving Adam Johnson in the NHL. If approved by the NHLPA, this rule could potentially mandate neck protection for all NHL players.
Despite initial skepticism, many NHL players, inspired by the tragedy in the English league and players like TJ Oshie, are embracing the idea of wearing neck protection to enhance safety.
Source: www.ntv.de
