It was not until 1979 that the National Hockey League (NHL) finally implemented a mandate requiring helmets and goalie masks for new players.
Surprisingly, it took another 34 years for eye-protecting visors to become mandatory, though they were only grandfathered in for veteran players.
Even today, there are still a handful of players who choose not to wear them. Despite the numerous incidents of broken jaws, smashed noses, and concussions, the idea of implementing full face shields or cages in professional men’s hockey at any level has not gained widespread support.
However, the recent tragic death of an American player who suffered a skate blade injury to the neck during a game in England has once again sparked the debate regarding the need for cut-resistant protection and why more players do not wear it.
To those unfamiliar with the sport, it may come as a surprise that such a debate even exists. However, those familiar with hockey understand that change within the sport tends to be slow, if it occurs at all.
The resistance to adopting new safety measures can be attributed to a variety of factors, including tradition, cultural norms, and the belief that risk and physicality are inherent aspects of the game.
Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the potential impact on the game’s speed, skill, and overall aesthetics.
Nevertheless, the tragic incident mentioned earlier serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by hockey players and the need for increased safety measures.
The discussion surrounding cut-resistant protection raises important questions about the responsibility of leagues, teams, and players in ensuring the well-being of athletes.
It also highlights the ongoing tension between preserving the essence of the sport and prioritizing player safety.
Ultimately, the slow pace of change in hockey is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by any established institution when confronted with the need to adapt.
While the NHL has made significant strides in improving player safety over the years, there is still room for further progress.
The recent tragedy serves as a poignant reminder that the sport must continue to evolve and prioritize the well-being of its athletes, even if change comes at a gradual pace.
When inquiring about the occurrence of skate-related injuries in NHL games or practices, one is taken aback by the surprisingly high number of players who have experienced such incidents.
Notable cases that come to mind include Erik Karlsson’s Achilles tendon injury, which occurred a decade ago, and Evander Kane’s sliced wrist incident just last year.
However, it was the tragic death of a prep school player in Connecticut in 2022 that reignited discussions surrounding safety improvements in the sport.
This week, the topic has once again taken center stage in the hockey community following the untimely passing of Adam Johnson, a former NHL player, who succumbed to his skate-inflicted wound while receiving treatment at a hospital in the United Kingdom.
The significance of these incidents cannot be understated, as they shed light on the urgent need for enhanced safety measures within the NHL and beyond.
Despite the pressing need for change, the prospect of immediate transformation within a sport as resistant as hockey seems unlikely.
This is exemplified by the delayed implementation of the helmet mandate, which was only introduced 11 years after the tragic death of NHL player Bill Masterton, who suffered fatal injuries on the ice.
It is disheartening that change often only occurs in the wake of such devastating incidents. Philadelphia general manager and former player, Danny Briere, aptly expressed the sentiment, stating that waiting for tragedy to strike should not be the catalyst for change.
Surprisingly, neck guards, cut protection for wrists, and the back of players’ legs are not mandatory in the NHL, despite these areas being more vulnerable than the heavily-guarded shoulders and elbows.
The recent gruesome injury suffered by Karlsson has led to an increase in players trying protective socks made of Kevlar, a synthetic fiber utilized in bulletproof vests, as well as Cutlon, a fabric used in shark bite-resistant suits.
However, some players remain reluctant to adopt these safety measures due to concerns over comfort while on the ice.
In the world of professional ice hockey, the significance of protective gear cannot be overstated. Among the various equipment worn by players, socks play a crucial role in safeguarding their lower limbs.
However, the choice of socks is not always a straightforward matter, as different players have different preferences and experiences. Jack Johnson, a seasoned defenseman for the Colorado team, expressed his discomfort with his socks before the start of this season.
Despite his dissatisfaction, he decided to persist with his current socks due to their efficacy. Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson, now playing for the Pittsburgh team, shared his regret over not wearing cut-proof socks when he suffered a severe injury to his left Achilles tendon in 2013.
Karlsson believes that his injury was a catalyst for the growing trend of cut-proof socks in the sport. He further noted that most players now wear these socks not only for their protective properties but also because they feel like regular socks.
The prevalence of skate cuts in hockey is a recurring theme, with countless individuals having either experienced or witnessed such incidents.
Josh Manson, a defenseman for the Colorado team, recalled a personal incident during his time in junior hockey where a sharp kick resulted in a deep cut on his stomach, reminiscent of slicing into a piece of steak.
These stories serve as reminders of the inherent risks associated with the sport and the importance of adequate protective measures.
In a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk in the world of professional ice hockey, the tragic death of Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has sent shockwaves through the sporting community.
Kivlenieks, a promising young talent with a bright future ahead of him, was struck by a fireworks mortar blast at a private gathering, resulting in a fatal head injury.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks that athletes face in their pursuit of sporting excellence.
While injuries are an unfortunate reality in any competitive sport, the loss of a life is a devastating blow that leaves an indelible mark on the entire hockey fraternity.
The incident has ignited discussions surrounding player safety and the measures that can be taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) has been at the forefront of these conversations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of players.
NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh eloquently articulated the sentiment that hockey is not just a game, but a profession that carries inherent risks.
He stressed the need for players to be able to go to work and return home safely, highlighting the responsibility that organizations and governing bodies have in ensuring the safety of their athletes.
In light of Kivlenieks’ untimely demise, advocates of increased safety measures, such as mandatory neck guards, have renewed their calls for action.
Rick Gotkin, the esteemed men’s hockey coach at Mercyhurst College, has been a vocal proponent of neck guards, believing that they could potentially prevent catastrophic injuries like those suffered by Kivlenieks.
Gotkin sees this tragic incident as a wake-up call for the hockey community, urging stakeholders to reevaluate their approach to player safety.
The loss of Matiss Kivlenieks is a profound tragedy that has left the entire hockey world in mourning. It serves as a somber reminder that the pursuit of athletic excellence comes with inherent risks that must be acknowledged and addressed.
As the hockey community grapples with this devastating loss, it is imperative that all stakeholders come together to prioritize player safety and implement measures that can prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
The legacy of Matiss Kivlenieks should not be one of sorrow, but rather a catalyst for change, spurring the hockey fraternity to take decisive action to protect the lives and well-being of its athletes.
In the world of ice hockey, the safety of players has always been a paramount concern. However, recent events have shed light on a potential danger that has long gone unaddressed – skate cuts to the neck.
The tragic death of a young player in England due to a skate cut has sparked a conversation about the need for better protection in the sport.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, various individuals and organizations have taken steps to address this issue.
Gotkin, a concerned individual, has been advocating for improved safety measures since witnessing a player requiring surgery for a skate cut to the neck.
The intensity and physicality of the game make it evident that action needs to be taken to prevent such accidents.
The response to this tragedy has been overwhelming, with T.J. Oshie receiving numerous messages about cut-resistant protection and Warroad Hockey selling out of their neck guards within hours.
Bauer Hockey has also pledged to collaborate with other equipment manufacturers to make neck guards more widely available.
The England Ice Hockey Association has even made neck guards mandatory, setting a precedent for other organizations to follow suit.
While some youth programs have already implemented such mandates, the NHL has yet to do so. However, league and union leaders have been studying cut-resistant materials for years and have recently resumed discussions on the matter.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledges that players are currently free to wear neck guards, but the possibility of mandating their use is being explored through dialogue with the players’ association.
The focus on player safety is evident, and it is hoped that these efforts will lead to a safer environment for all ice hockey players.
In the realm of high school hockey, there is a growing concern for player safety, specifically regarding the use of protective gear.
Gary Bettman, the son of a former player and current NHL commissioner, vividly remembers his wife’s insistence on his son wearing a neck guard during practices.
Even when the coach deemed it optional, Bettman’s wife firmly asserted that it was not. This dedication to safety is echoed by Larry Landon, the executive director of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, who not only represents minor leaguers but is also a grandfather.
Landon passionately advocates for the use of cut-resistant gear, even suggesting that players should paint their bodies with it if necessary.
These sentiments are shared by many players, including Ross Colton of the Colorado Avalanche, who emphasizes the importance of wearing protective cut-proof gear.
Colton, who wears cut-proof socks and wristbands, attributes his commitment to safety to his father’s encouragement.
Similarly, Nicolas Hague, a defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, altered his perspective on protective gear after a close call with a skate to the wrist.
Despite these incidents, some players remain reluctant to change their ways. However, Kyle Okposo of the Buffalo Sabres believes that while there are risks inherent in the game, players must not allow their minds to dwell on the possibility of injury.
Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal, on the other hand, has been wearing protective socks for years and continues to explore additional options to prevent cuts.
Staal’s cautionary tale involves a skate narrowly missing his artery, leaving him with 50 stitches. He acknowledges that players must accept the inherent risks of the game but also emphasizes the importance of taking as many precautions as possible.