Coroner calls for neck guards to be made MANDATORY in ice hockey after Adam Johnson was killed by an opponent’s skate… as they insist ‘action should be taken to prevent future deaths’
- Adam Johnson died after he was caught on the neck by an opponent’s skate
- A Sheffield coroner has called for neck guards to be made mandatory
- They expressed their concern that more deaths may occur if not worn
A coroner has called for neck guards in ice hockey to be compulsory following the death of Adam Johnson whose neck was cut during a match.
The 29-year-old American was playing for Nottingham Panthers at rivals Sheffield Steelers last month when he was caught by the skate of opposition player Matt Petgrave on October 28.
A Sheffield coroner has expressed their concern that more deaths may occur in the future if neck guards are not worn.
In a prevention of future deaths report, coroner Tanyka Rawden said: ‘In due course the inquest will consider whether the use of a neck guard or protector could have prevented Mr Johnson’s death.
‘At this stage in my investigation however, I am sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn.
Adam Johnson (pictured in 2019) died last month after his neck was caught by an opponent’s skate in a match involving the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers
Adam Johnson, seen seconds before the freak incident at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on Saturday
Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson and his girlfriend Ryan Wolfe at a family wedding
‘In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.’
The report has been sent to Ice Hockey UK and English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), who have 56 days to respond.
Governing body EIHA previously said neck guards will be made mandatory from 2024 onwards but that decision will not impact the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) which is not under its control.
The EIHL said they will not make the use of neck guards mandatory but will ‘strongly encourage’ players and officials to wear them following Johnson’s death.
A spokesperson for Elite Ice Hockey League 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.
‘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.’
The corner expressed concern more deaths may follow Johnson’s if action isn’t taken
Johnson’s throat was cut by the blade of Sheffield Steelers’ Matt Petgrave
The inquest into Johnson’s death opened on Friday.
Johnson was laid to rest on Sunday in a private ceremony in Hibbing, Minnesota.
In a social media post, Johnson’s fiancee Ryan Wolfe said ‘we miss you so much,’ while his family remembered him in a heartfelt obituary.
‘He enjoyed yard work, fishing, golfing with buddies, playing in the Iron Ice hockey tournament, projects around the house, reading, following the stock market and listening to his favorite music,’ the obituary reads.
‘Adam especially enjoyed his quiet coffee time with his fiancee Ryan, dreaming about their future, and taking in the mornings together. Adam loved to live a slower life and took pleasure in the small, everyday things.
‘He was many things to many people, but to those who were lucky enough to be loved by Adam knew he was thoughtful, patient and genuinely authentic,’ it reads later on. ‘He loved his fiancee, family, and friends above all else. His loving and quiet demeanor will be eternally missed.’
Source: Read Full Article