The AHL Board of Governors have unanimously approved that all players and ice officials are required to wear neck protection as it's become mandatory for all equipment.
Last season, the AHL along with the ECHL were experimenting on the use of cut resistant neck guards and wrist guards in the aftermath of the tragic death of Adam Johnston; a former NHL player who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. During the game in the United Kingdom last season, Johnston was cut in the neck and had died from his injuries.
Many hockey organizations throughout North America are adopting this type of protection as cuts to players have been on the rise and injuries are becoming more dangerous.
There's no word on when the NHL will adopt this technology as mandatory as it will likely continue to be discussed. Some NHL stars have suffered injuries that have crippled them for months.
One of the more recent was the Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane who had a skate cut his wrist which led to surgery, and the player has not played the same since.
With the CBA only two years away from being renewed, it's likely this could come up as a option in the agreement for players to start wearing this equipment.
