USA Hockey’s Jan. 28 announcement that neck-laceration protection will be required for all youth players beginning in August was great news for the California Amateur Hockey Association. In a perfect world, the state organization might very well have already put such a rule into place.
“Unfortunately, as a subordinate governing body to USA Hockey, California wasn’t prepared to go out on that limb by ourselves,” association President Tom Hancock told The Epoch Times. “There are other issues that come into play—liabilities, et cetera. Mandating certain things could have related repercussions if you mandate something and it turns out not to be safe. That’s why I’m happy to see USA Hockey take that step.”
The International Ice Hockey Federation last month mandated the use of neck-laceration protectors at all events it oversees.
The move by USA Hockey’s governing body—approving legislation requiring commercially designed and manufactured neck guards for youth players in all age classifications in games and practices—comes after the October death of American Adam Johnson, who died after having his neck cut by the skate blade of an opposing player during a professional game in England.
On-ice officials younger than 18 will also have to wear such protection, while the USA Hockey legislation “strongly recommends” it for adult players.
The Colorado Springs-based national organization, which oversees hockey throughout the United States, including Olympic teams, had long “recommended” the use of neck guards, as well as cut-resistant socks, sleeves, or undergarments, for all players.
“Throughout the organization, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules,” USA Hockey Executive Director Pat Kelleher said in a news release Jan. 28. “We’re also encouraged that the hockey industry is committed to continuing to work to improve the cut-resistant products that protect players.”
Enforcement will be the same as for any other equipment violation. Following an initial warning to the offending team, 10-minute misconduct penalties will result for subsequent infractions.
“Regardless of what any governing body says, we as parents have an obligation to make what we think is absolutely the most responsible decision for our own children,” Mr. Hancock, of the California Amateur Hockey Association, said. “There are protective measures you can take that are not burdensome in either cost or comfort. Why would you not avail yourself the benefit of that?”
The death of Mr. Johnson, a Minnesota native who played briefly for the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins and spent parts of two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings’ American League affiliate in Ontario, California, hit the hockey community hard.
“Still, there was no rush for parents to go buy these things,” Mr. Hancock said. “I’ve never actually heard anybody speak out against it, so that begs the question why weren’t all of them wearing it? Probably cost, one more thing we don’t have to have. But I don’t make decisions like that based on a few extra dollars.”
While extremely rare, incidents such as the one that killed Mr. Johnson do occur.
Then-Buffalo Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk nearly died after having his neck cut by an opponent’s skate blade during a game in 1989. Just last month, despite having been wearing a neck guard, an 11-year-old boy in Quebec died after being struck in the throat by a puck during a youth-hockey practice.
Earlier this week, prize Columbus Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantilli suffered a cut to his left leg when struck by an opponent’s skate blade during a game in Seattle.
Numerous such incidents over the years have resulted in players at the professional and amateur levels far more frequently utilizing cut-resistant equipment for various parts of their bodies. There is no neck-guard mandate in the NHL, where any such requirement would have to be collectively bargained by the league and the players’ union.
Some youth players might not welcome adding neck guards to their game and practice attire, but they will not have a choice beginning next season.
“If hockey is so unimportant that the perception of that piece of equipment causes you not to want to play, you probably shouldn’t be playing anyway,” Mr. Hancock said.
