San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn said his players should use extra protection.
Tragedy was felt in the hockey world as former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson died while playing in England.
Johnson was cut across the neck with an errant skate in a freak accident while playing for the Nottingham Panthers.
"Obviously, from my end, he's a guy that I coached against. I know a lot of people that know him, and this really hits the hockey community hard," Sharks head coach David Quinn said.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) mandated that in 2024, neck guards are required by rule.
"Hopefully, players realize the importance of wearing neck guards, but you know, that's something that is above my paygrade," Quinn said.
Quinn feels that it is a rule that both the NHLPA and the league will need to "iron out."
He said he hasn't had any specific conversations with players about it. If a player were to ask, he would say to wear the extra protection.
"I think it'd be more comfortable for guys, even more protective than it's ever been," Quinn said about the protection technology.
It was a freak accident, yes, but with proper protection, a life could've been saved.
RIP Adam Johnson 1994-2023.
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The Hockey News