Neck guards in the NHL: Why 2 Vancouver Canucks wear them

Low Adoption of Neck Protection in Professional Hockey Despite Tragic Deaths

Warning: This story contains details some readers may find disturbing.

It has been just over a year since the tragic death of professional hockey player Adam Johnson, who lost his life after another player’s skate cut his neck during a game in England. Despite this devastating incident, the adoption of neck protection among the sport’s top players remains surprisingly low.

According to the National Hockey League (NHL), only 55 players, which accounts for 7.7% of all active players, are currently wearing neck guards this season.

Unlike other hockey leagues where neck protection is mandatory, the NHL still allows players to choose whether or not to wear it. The American Hockey League recently made it a requirement this season, and Canadian major junior teams implemented the mandate last year. Neck protection has been mandatory for minors since the 1990s.

Despite growing up playing with neck guards, many players tend to forgo them once they reach the professional level. However, there are exceptions, such as Vancouver Canucks’ forward Conor Garland and defenseman Carson Soucy, who have made the decision to wear neck protection.

Soucy, who played with Johnson and started wearing a neck guard after his tragic death, emphasized the importance of finding the right gear that is comfortable and non-intrusive. Garland also shared that he hardly notices he’s wearing one as it is built into his under armour shirt.

While the NHL has yet to make neck guards mandatory, both Garland and Soucy believe it should ultimately be a personal choice for players. However, they predict that the popularity of neck guards will continue to grow as more comfortable and accessible options become available.

‘We’ve Come a Long Way Over the Years’

Nearly 50 years ago, goalie Kim Crouch survived a life-threatening injury when a skate slashed his neck during a game. Quick action from a trainer saved his life, and he returned to the ice wearing the first-ever hockey neck guard, designed by his father.

Crouch has been a strong advocate for neck protection in hockey ever since, emphasizing the importance of preventing potentially devastating injuries. He believes that neck guards should follow the path of helmets and visors, eventually becoming mandatory for all players.

Reflecting on the progress made in safety equipment in hockey, Crouch acknowledges the resistance to change but sees it as a necessary step towards ensuring the well-being of players.

Despite the tragic circumstances that led to the development of neck guards, Crouch finds solace in knowing that his advocacy has made a difference in the sport. He believes that his father would be proud to see his descendants playing hockey in an era where neck protection is mandatory.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Shannon Paterson