Jim Montgomery's Relates to the Recent Hockey Tragedy
Former NHL player Adam Johnson tragically lost his life in a skate blade accident during a game in England, sending shockwaves through the hockey community. Johnson, who briefly played 13 NHL games for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, was just 29 years old.
This heartbreaking incident occurred while Johnson was representing the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers. A "freak accident" during the second period of the Elite Ice Hockey League game at Sheffield's Utilita Arena led to his fatal injury.
For Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, this tragedy hit close to home, as he had experienced a similar loss during his youth in Montreal. Montgomery expressed,
Adam Johnson's passing has sparked a debate about the use of neck guards in hockey, particularly at the professional level. The English Ice Hockey Association recently declared that neck guards will become mandatory for all players during on-ice activities starting December 31.
While such incidents are rare, they have tragically occurred in the past, including cases like Teddy Balkind in 2022, Richard Zednik in 2008, and Clint Malarchuk in 1989, all suffering life-threatening neck injuries from skate blades.
In response to the tragedy, some players on the Providence Bruins opted to wear neck guards during a recent game against the Springfield Thunderbirds, although this choice was personal rather than a team requirement. Coach Montgomery stressed that the decision to wear a neck guard should be a personal one, acknowledging the trade-offs between safety and comfort. He noted,
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| POLL | ||
30 OCTOBRE | 28 ANSWERS Jim Montgomery's Relates to the Recent Hockey Tragedy Will the NHL do something to make the game safer? | ||
| Yes | 14 | 50 % |
| No | 14 | 50 % |
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