Multiple Penguins Wear Neck Guards at Practice
A couple of Pittsburgh Penguins players are stepping up and taking extra steps to protect themselves on the ice.
Following the tragic passing of former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson, a big question was raised regarding the usage of extra protection to crucial areas on players.
The main topic of conversation have revolved around neck guards, and after Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan stated it would be mandatory for the AHL and ECHL clubs, a few of his own players have followed the heavy recommendation.
In a practice ahead of leaving for their West Coast road trip, Lars Eller, Marcus Pettersson, Ryan Graves, and Erik Karlsson were all wearing neck guards.
Ever since the loss of Johnson, a number of leagues, teams, and players have implemented a mandatory usage of neck guards.
Neck guards have long been a mandate in the Swedish hockey league, so players like Karlsson and Pettersson should have some experience with the extra padding.
While it cannot yet be made a regulation in the NHL, a number of players may step in this direction as a voluntary move.
As the hockey world continues to recover from the loss of Johnson, there is sure to be more players across the NHL taking the same measures.
According to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News, Tom Wilson of the rival Washington Capitals is also wearing a neck guard.
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