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(Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor/Kelowna Rockets)
By Pete McIntyre
games and practices

Neck protection made mandatory in WHL

Nov 1, 2023 | 3:30 PM

The Western Hockey League has approved mandatory neck guard protection for all players, effective this Friday, Nov. 3, or as soon as the protective equipment is available to its teams.

The protection will have to be worn for all on-ice activities including games and practices.

“The WHL anticipates challenges in delivery of protective neck guard equipment from licensed suppliers due to increased demand following the tragic passing of Adam Johnson,” a WHL news release stated.

Johnson, a former NHL player, died on Oct. 28 after an on-ice collision resulted in a cut to his neck from a skate during a pro hockey game in Britain.

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