According to the official WHL, this rule will come into effect on November 3, as soon as protective equipment is available to all clubs. Please note that hockey players must wear neck protection at all times when they are on the ice, including during practices.
This happened after a terrible tragedy occurred during the British Challenge Cup match between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers on October 28. Adam Johnson’s neck was cut by a skate. After that, the hockey player fell on the ice and began to bleed. The player was taken to hospital, but doctors were unable to save the 29-year-old Canadian’s life.
Note that after the Johnson incident, NHL management strongly recommended that hockey players use neck protection during matches, but did not make this rule mandatory for all players.
It is worth noting that at the moment two Russian players play in the WHL – Brandon Wheat Kings defender Andrei Malyavin and Calgary Hitmen forward Maxim Muranov.
Source: Sport
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
