Hey folks! So, I came across this news about the stigma around neck guards in ice hockey, and let me tell you, it needs to change. It’s a serious matter, especially after the tragic death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson. The guy suffered a terrible cut to his neck from a skate during a match against the Sheffield Steelers. And get this, he wasn’t even wearing a neck guard! Can you believe it?
Now, here’s the deal. In the UK, players can play without neck guards once they turn 18. But that’s where the problem lies. There’s this whole stigma around wearing neck protection. It’s considered annoying and, believe it or not, if you wear one, you’re seen as a junior. People would actually make fun of you and belittle you for trying to protect yourself. How messed up is that?
Abbie Culshaw, a Great Britain international and forward for Whitley Bay and the Bradford Bulldogs, spoke up about this issue. She said that players would wind up or call out others for wearing a guard. And let me tell you, it’s not cool. Some people do wear them for their own safety, but most people don’t bother if they don’t have to. They find it irritating and uncomfortable. So, as soon as they turn 18, they can’t wait to get rid of it. But that’s not right, is it?
We need a change in mindset here. We need to make wearing neck guards a common thing, not something that separates the men from the juniors. It’s about safety, people! We can’t ignore the fact that skates are sharp and accidents can happen. We shouldn’t be pressuring players to remove their neck guards just to prove their manliness. Player safety should always come first.
Thankfully, there are some clubs taking action. Oxford City Stars, a third-tier side, announced that they will make neck protection mandatory for their players and staff. Good on them! They’re setting an example and pushing for enhanced safety standards across the sport. Other clubs should follow suit and prioritize the well-being of their players.
But here’s the thing, it’s not just about individual clubs. We need a broader change. Countries like Finland and Sweden already have compulsory neck guards in place. Even Germany’s top flight league is considering their introduction. And you know what? USA Hockey has recommended their use due to concerns about neck injuries. So, why are we lagging behind?
Look, I get it. Change takes time. But when it comes to player safety, we can’t afford to wait. We need to come together as a community and demand change. Let’s make neck guards the norm, not the exception. Let’s protect our players and prevent more tragedies like Adam Johnson’s death.
So, next time you see someone wearing a neck guard, don’t make fun of them. Don’t belittle them. Instead, appreciate their commitment to safety. Let’s change the narrative and create a culture where wearing neck guards is seen as a smart and responsible choice. It’s time to change the stigma, folks. Let’s do it!