In the wake of a shocking incident that claimed the life of former NHL player Adam Johnson, the Saanich Predators of the Vancouver Island Jr. A Hockey League have made a crucial announcement aimed at enhancing player safety.
Effective immediately, the team has made it mandatory for all players to wear neck guards during every VIJHL game.
The decision to implement this new policy comes in after the sudden death of 29-year-old Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old hockey player during a game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers in the UK Elite League’s Challenge Cup.
In a freak accident during the second period, Johnson was struck in the neck by an opposing player’s skate blade.
“The Nottingham Panthers are truly devastated to announce that Adam Johnson has tragically passed away following a freak accident at the game in Sheffield last night,” Nottingham Panthers said in a statement on Facebook.
“Adam, our number 47, was not only an outstanding ice hockey player, but also a great teammate and an incredible person with his whole life ahead of him. The Club will dearly miss him and will never ever forget him.”
The Nottingham Panthers expressed their grief, describing Johnson as not only an exceptional ice hockey talent but also an incredible person with a promising future.
In response to this tragedy, the Saanich Predators have taken made it manditory for all players to wear a neck guard starting this week.
The coaching staff and ownership of the Saanich Predators are collaborating with local sporting goods providers to ensure that every player has a neck guard in place by the upcoming Friday game against the Victoria Cougars at Pearkes Arena.
The team’s co-owner, Norm Kelly, conveyed the sentiments of the Predator family, expressing their deepest condolences to the Johnson family, friends, and teammates.
“In light of the tragic loss of Adam Johnson, 29 this weekend as a result of a freak on ice accident while playing for the Nottingham Panthers as a part of the UK Elite League’s Challenge Cup, we feel this is the respectful and responsible thing to do, not only for our players but for all hockey families who are saddened by this terrible loss,” says Norm Kelly, co-owner of the Predators.
“The Predator family joins the entire hockey world in mourning the sudden passing of Adam. We offer our deepest condolences to the Johnson family, his friends and teammates during this terribly difficult time,” continues Kelly.
Following the incident, many leagues around Canada, including the NHL are revisiting the rules around the requirements of wearing a neck guard.
