• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Ice Hockey league refuses to make rule change after death of player Adam Johnson

Home> News> Sport

Published 11:47 3 Nov 2023 GMT

Ice Hockey league refuses to make rule change after death of player Adam Johnson

Hopes have been dashed

Olivia Burke

Olivia Burke

All eyes have been on ice hockey since Adam Johnson's tragic death after a 'freak accident' on the rink last week.

Nottingham Panthers star Johnson passed away after he was injured during a match against the Sheffield Steelers on 28 October.

The Minnesota-born sportsman was accidentally cut in the neck by opposing player Matt Petgrave during the derby clash, which was watched by more than 8,000 fans.

An inquest into the 29-year-old's death has been opened, but South Yorkshire Police said the investigation 'is likely to take some time'.

Advert

Adam Johnson died after his neck was cut by another player's skate.
Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Sporting fans called for further safety measures to be brought in, with ice hockey officials urged to bring in neck guards to prevent further horror incidents in the future.

Czechoslovakian star Richard Zednik suffered a similar injury in 2008, but managed to survive despite losing five pints of blood.

Despite pressure from fans and other skaters, the UK's top ice hockey division said it will not make neck guards compulsory.

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) previously said the safety gear would be mandatory from 2024 onwards.

Advert

However, this will not impact the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), which is a separate entity that is not under its jurisdiction.

Although the EIHL 'strongly encourage' the use of neck guards, it is not bringing in a rule making them mandatory.

Current rules state that ice hockey players do not have to use neck guards after they turn 18.

A spokesperson for the EIHL said: "We are devastated by the loss of Adam's life, and our thoughts remain with his family, team-mates and everyone else affected during this difficult time.

Sporting officials were urged to make neck guards mandatory in the wake of the tragedy.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Advert

"Player safety and welfare is our top priority and we work with players, officials, clubs, and the relevant authorities to review research and advice to understand how we continually enhance the safety of our sport.

"All clubs continue to follow the existing guidance from the International Ice Hockey Federation, that the use of a BNQ or other ISO Standard neck laceration protector is recommended.

"The Elite Ice Hockey League strongly encourages players and officials to wear one and clubs and the League will continue to support players and officials to do so."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

Featured Image Credit: Bruce Bennett/Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images

Topics: Sport, UK News, News

Olivia Burke
Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

X

@livburke_

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
3 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Simulation reveals Amelia Earhart's 'final moments' as scientists 'finally discover' lost plane

    Back in 1937, Earhart was travelling across the globe with her navigator, Fred Noonan, when the pair disappeared

    News
  • an hour ago

    Ex-ketamine addict who spent £5,000 on drugs in a weekend reveals lowest point of his addiction

    Thomas Delaney bravely opened up about some of his toughest moments before getting clean

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    Royal Caribbean drinks package hack will save you money on future cruises

    Who doesn't love a bargain?

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    Awkward moment Emmanuel Macron left hanging by his wife as they arrive in UK for state visit

    The French President is in the UK to meet the King today (8 July)

    News
  • Police issue update on man arrested in connection with ice hockey player who died after being slashed in throat during game
  • Man involved in play that led to death of hockey player after cut to throat speaks out for first time
  • Ice hockey team changes rules after player Adam Johnson is killed in horrific slashing accident
  • Ice hockey club releases statement as player Adam Johnson dies following slashed neck during game