English Ice Hockey Association Mandates Neck Guards in Wake of Player Adam Johnson's Tragic Death

New rule enforcement comes two days after Johnson's fatal accident during an Elite Ice Hockey League match; mandatory use of neck protection gears to be implemented across all English ice hockey levels from 2024.

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has mandated the use of neck guards following the tragic death of player Adam Johnson, who was fatally injured in a game when his throat was cut by a skate blade.
The new rule requiring neck guards will be active from 2024 and applies to all levels of English ice hockey. The immediate recommendation to wear neck guards will run through the end of 2023.
The EIHA is also conducting a review of all aspects of player safety equipment, inviting input from 'relevant stakeholders'. The areas under consideration include helmets, mouthguards, facial visors, etc.
In response to the tragic incident, matches in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) were temporarily postponed. Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers when the incident occurred.
Tributes have poured in from around the world for Johnson, who previously played 13 games for the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. The Panthers announced plans to postpone their next three games in honor of their late teammate.