Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 1 (Reuters) - The National Hockey League (NHL) and the union representing its players have been in contact regarding further safety measures after a player in Britain's Elite Ice Hockey League died when an opposing player's skate blade cut his neck.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in an ESPN report on Wednesday that the league wants to prioritize protection but added that players have the right to make decisions for themselves.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA), which is the sport's governing body in England and Wales, said this week the safety of players must take precedence above all else and made neck guards mandatory from Jan. 1 for all on-ice activities.
The EIHA did not make neck guards mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues but made a "strong recommendation" that players at all levels across English Ice Hockey start using a neck guard.
The NHLPA also educates players each year on the benefits of wearing the cut-resistant equipment so they can make informed equipment choices.
Persons:
Aaron Doster, Adam Johnson's, Gary Bettman, Bettman, Marty Walsh, Walsh, Frank Pingue, Ed Osmond
Organizations:
New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena, National Hockey League, Ice Hockey League, British, NHL, ESPN, MetLife, National Hockey League Players ', Ice Hockey Association, NHLPA, Thomson
Locations:
Columbus , Ohio, USA, East Rutherford , New Jersey, England, Wales, Toronto