The Western Hockey League has joined the rest of the CHL by adopting mandatory neck guard protection, effective Nov. 3 or when equipment is available to clubs.
Players will be required to wear the neck guards when participating in on-ice activities, including games and practices.
Neck guards were already mandatory in the OHL and QMJHL. Hockey Canada also requires neck guards for all players registered in minor or women’s hockey.
This rule comes on the heels of the death of former NHLer Adam Johnson, who tragically passed away after being cut by a skate during a game in England, in what was called a “freak accident” by the Nottingham Panthers.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Johnson’s former club, have already mandated neck and wrist guards for their minor league players, and the NHL and NHLPA continue to explore options on cut-protection gear.
Four members of the Winnipeg Jets, including Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers, were wearing neck guards during practice Wednesday — the first NHLers to be seen with neck guards added to their gear.
A number of NHL players said Monday they would listen to conversations about changes to the equipment, including Maple Leafs captain John Tavares. Any changes to equipment rules would require an agreement between the league and the union.
“At one point, goalies weren’t wearing helmets, and the game has evolved and continues to get safer and safer,” Tavares said. “That’s certainly probably an aspect that needs to continue to be looked at further, as one incident like that is too many.”