Following the death of Adam Johnson, ice hockey safety measures including neck and mouth guards will be made compulsory for players at universities across Britain.
The British Universities Ice Hockey Association (BUIHA) announced the changes earlier this week, which will come into effect from 1 December 2023.
The delay is included to allow time for clubs to purchase any new equipment they require.
They supersede current guidelines issued by the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), which give clubs until 31 December to implement the new rules surrounding mandatory neck guards.
In addition to the guards, players will have to wear a visor that covers at least half of their faces.
The regulations apply to competitions, games and training for both checking and non-checking hockey.
In an online statement, the association said: “The BUIHA is currently in the process of working with clubs to ensure that the expedited deadline can be met. We have procured a small number of neck guards and are in the process of searching markets overseas to increase our provision.
“In addition, the BUIHA Support Team will again be reaching out in the coming days both to offer additional help on supporting clubs with welfare direction and to ensure the above information is received and understood.”
For students at the University of Sheffield, this means that next year’s Varsity will feature mandatory neck guards in the iconic ice hockey fixture for the first time.
Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson was tragically killed on 28 October after his neck was cut by an ice skate at Sheffield Utilita Arena.
🖤💛 A Celebration of Life for Adam Johnson took place yesterday in his home town of Hibbing in the USA with Omar Pacha and Kevin Moore proudly representing the Panthers, being two of a number of fantastic speakers with heartfelt tributes to Adam.
👉 https://t.co/uu1J6DZBgk pic.twitter.com/BjtXGBjpmv
— The Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) November 7, 2023
Sheffield coroner Tanyka Rawden released a prevention of future deaths report earlier this week, in which she expressed her concern that neck guards are not mandatory for over-18s under International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) regulations.
Addressing the report to Ice Hockey UK and the EIHA, she stated: “In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you.
“In due course the inquest will consider whether the use of a neck guard or protector could have prevented Mr Johnson’s death.
“At this stage in my investigation however, I am sufficiently concerned that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards or protectors are not worn.
“In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.”
Image Credit: Sheffield Bears via Facebook