Following the death of Nottingham Panthers‘ Adam Johnson, the UK’s English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has required all competitors to wear neck-guards in an attempt to prevent a recurrence of the unlikely freak accident.
It came in the second period as the Sheffield Steelers clashed with the Panthers at the Utilita Arena when Matt Petgrave attempted to block a player but lost his balance in the process. As he attempted to correct, or control, his fall, he kicked Johnson in the throat.
The result is that the American athlete suffered a severed carotid artery and bled out, despite immediate medical attention and an ambulance to a hospital, leaving the world rocked by what has transpired.
“All players at all levels across English Ice Hockey use an approved Ice Hockey Neck Guard/Protector,” EHIA declared. “Whilst participating in all on ice activities.”
The rule will come into effect from January 1, 2024 as the governing body anticipates supply and demand issues and thus gives contractors time to prepare for the needs of players.
It’s the latest statement from the association who aims to control the media frenzy and to protect their players by responding to the tragic disaster of the former Pittsburgh Penguins player.
“As in all sports, the safety of our players must take precedence above all else. We are firmly committed to our obligation to exhaust every possible means to ensure that a tragic incident of this nature never befalls our sport again,” the EIHA said in a separate statement.
“It is unacceptable for any player to lose their life while playing sport. Our responsibility is not only to avert the recurrence of such a heart-breaking accident, but also to pre-emptively address other foreseeable incidents in the future.”
Westin Michaud defends Petgrave
The incident has received international attention and Petgrave, who is already dealing with the idea of killing someone, has been getting threats aimed at him through social media.
Petgrave has been receiving threats on social media after accidentally killing Adam Johnson during an ice hockey match in the United Kingdom between the Panthers and Sheffield Steelers but has also had support from fans and now Michaud has backed him.
“I need to address something about the accident,” Johnson‘s teammate posted on X, formerly Twitter. “We wholeheartedly stand with Matt Petgrave. The hate that Matt is receiving is terrible and completely uncalled for.
“I was at the ice level on the bench closest to the accident, I saw both players moving fast. The unintentional clip of the Panther player’s leg by the Sheffield player caused the somersault.
“It’s clear to me his actions were unintentional, and anyone suggesting otherwise is mistaken, Let’s come together and not spread unwarranted hate to someone who needs our support.”
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