The tragic death of a US ice hockey player has prompted the mandatory use of neck guards for all players. On February 8th, 2020, a 15-year-old player from the Chicago Mission Hockey Club died after suffering a severe neck injury during a game. The player was not wearing a neck guard at the time of the accident.
In response to this tragedy, USA Hockey, the governing body for amateur ice hockey in the United States, has mandated that all players must wear neck guards while participating in any USA Hockey sanctioned event. This includes practices, games, and tournaments. Neck guards are designed to protect players from neck injuries caused by pucks, sticks, or other players.
The decision to make neck guards mandatory has been met with both support and criticism. Supporters argue that the use of neck guards is an important safety measure that will help to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Critics argue that the use of neck guards should be left up to individual players and that the decision to wear one should be based on personal preference.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that the death of the US ice hockey player has had a profound impact on the sport. The mandatory use of neck guards is a reminder of the importance of safety in ice hockey and serves as a reminder that all players should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves while playing.
