Former defenseman for several KHL clubs Nikita Shchitov commenting on the incident with Novokuznetsk Metallurg player Vitaly Lyulko, told that it would be great to introduce mandatory neck protection in Russian hockey.
On Friday, during the All-Russian Hockey League (VHL) match OLIMPBET against Bars Kazan, Metallurg defender Lyulko received a cut on his neck during a collision with a falling opponent. The hockey player received medical treatment on the bench, after which the athlete left the arena on a stretcher. Metallurg head coach Valery Belov said that Lyulko received the necessary assistance – they stitched up the vessel, but the artery was not damaged. The player remains in Kazan hospital.
“Unfortunately, no one is safe from such moments. This is destiny. One day, a player who was falling cut my chin with his skate. A little lower and it would have hit his throat. Only neck protection can save you. It would be great if it was introduced. Hockey is a notoriously risky sport. Anything can happen here.
— Can our leagues independently introduce neck protection? Or should we wait for the order from the International Hockey Federation (IIHF)?
“We can introduce this rule ourselves.” Mandatory neck protection may be prescribed in regulations to reduce risks. There is no need to wait for the IIHF’s decision. We are introducing new rules in the MHL, KHL and VHL.
— How will players react to mandatory neck protection? Will it take a lot of getting used to?
— They will be forced to follow the new rules. They will come out and play. At first it will be unusual, but that’s okay, you’ll get used to it. After all, you can wear a turtleneck with a stand-up collar. Metallurg defender Yegor Yakovlev plays in this one, Alexey Yashin played there his whole career. You can get used to it,” Shchitov told .
Source : MatchTV
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