Adam Johnson’s death shocked the entire ice hockey world. The former DEL player had his throat cut during a game for the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers in Great Britain. He was hit on the neck by the blade of his opponent’s ice skate. He was only 29 years old. According to the Daily Mail, he fell while trying to get out of the snow. Johnson lost a lot of blood and had to be revived on the ice by team doctors. Both teammates and opposing players formed a circle. The game was abandoned in front of 8,000 horrified spectators.
The German Ice Hockey League quickly reacted and made neck protection mandatory starting January 1, 2024. The German Ice Hockey Association also introduced this regulation. According to a statement from the association, protective wear was only “recommended” due to availability. DEB sports director Christian Künst: “This should ensure that potential delivery disruptions can be avoided.”
Now the Austrian ICE Hockey League is also following suit. It was unanimously decided during a managers video conference on Thursday that all players should wear neck protection. The league announced this in a press release. Since no accurate information can currently be provided on the availability and distribution of appropriate protective equipment across the board, the date of mandatory introduction will be determined at a later date. The ICE Hockey League also immediately recommended wearing cut-resistant underwear. There will be changes in the 2024 World Cup also.
