Sabres defenseman wore and removed protective gear during game with Philadelphia
Sabres defenseman wore and removed protective gear during game with Philadelphia
The death of former NHLer Adam Johnson has prompted a move towards amateur and professional leagues implementing mandatory neck guard protection, such as the Western Hockey League and the AHL’s Providence Bruins put in place this week. With NHL players, the use of neck guards is optional, but something that each player may be giving second thoughts to.
Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin put on a neck guard for the first time during their 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday but removed it during the game because it was restricting and uncomfortable.
"I kind of tried it out. Too bad that I tried it for the first time during the game, and so it didn't last that long." Dahlin said on Thursday. "I want to use and I want someone to develop a nice, breathable neck guard. I think in the future, it's gonna be a must."
Dahlin indicated that in Sweden, where he played two years in the SHL before being drafted by the Sabres first overall in 2018, wearing neck guards is mandatory and that he wore them when playing for Frolunda, but stopped wearing them when he came to the NHL.
The 23-year-old sounds willing to wear the protective gear, and might give the current options available another try, but is hoping that there will be advances from equipment manufacturers that more comfortable neck guards will be developed.
"I think it's important equipment to use because bad things can happen."
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