There was a shockwave in the hockey world over the weekend. Former Pittsburgh Penguins player, Adam Johnson, tragically passed away due to an accidental skate blade to the throat during a game, a scene that many will not soon forget.
While his death currently makes no sense, it may very well compel the league officials to take action. Honestly, it's the least that can be done to honor his memory.
According to reports by Scott Wheeler, there are already discussions about making it mandatory for players to wear neck protectors, which would be implemented in the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. The NHL Players' Association would like the NHL to provide standard protective equipment for all players.
In some teams, players have already started using these neck protectors. In the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins, several players were seen wearing this piece of equipment in the aftermath of the tragic accident. It's clear that things are already starting to change.
The unfortunate part of all this is that it took a death to get things moving. At least, if mandatory neck protector use becomes a reality, Johnson's death will not have been in vain, even though it should have been prevented.
