The two Senators forwards have joined several other players around the league, experimenting with neck protection during NHL games.
Ottawa Senators forwards Claude Giroux and Josh Norris will both be wearing neck guards Saturday night and probably for the foreseeable future. Their decision comes on the heels of Adam Johnson’s tragic death during a game in the English Premier Ice Hockey League last week.
The NHL does not mandate the wearing of neck guards but many players and teams around the league have contemplated the need for them in light of Johnson’s death last week. The Pittsburgh Penguins, who Johnson briefly played for in 2020, have already mandated neck guards for players on their AHL and ECHL teams.
"At the end of the day, I don’t see why not," Giroux said. "I will try it out and see how it goes.”
Giroux added that there had been some discussions amongst Senators players to wear neck guards, but believes they shouldn’t be mandatory.
Norris reiterated Giroux’s feelings.
“I was comfortable (wearing it at practice) honestly," Norris said. "I didn't really notice it that much. I want to be as safe as I can and I wore one as a kid, so I don’t see why not."
Norris said he asked Sens staff about getting a neck guard a few days ago and the new protective gear came in today.