Coroner Tanyka Rawden has written prevention of future deaths report, outlining concern that deaths may occur in future if neck guards not worn; "There is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken"; Elite Ice Hockey League said it would not make neck protection mandatory
Wednesday 8 November 2023 06:06, UK
Neck guards should be compulsory in ice hockey, coroner Tanyka Rawden has said.
The recommendation comes after Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson suffered a fatal injury from a skate during a match against the Sheffield Steelers on October 28.
Coroner Rawden has written a prevention of future deaths report, where she outlines her concern that deaths may occur in the future if neck guards were not worn.
In the report, Rawden said: "In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you."
Last week, the Elite Ice Hockey League said it would not make neck protection mandatory but would "strongly encourage" players and officials to wear them following Johnson's death.
A spokesperson for the Elite Ice Hockey League said following the release of the prevention of future deaths report: "We acknowledge the Coroner's prevention of future deaths report that has been shared with Ice Hockey UK and the English Ice Hockey Association.
"We'll be working closely with these associations, the International Ice Hockey Federation, teams, players and officials to assess the impact of the recommendations and will be responding to the coroner substantively in due course. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Adam Johnson at this difficult time."
The English Ice Hockey Association will make it mandatory to wear a neck guard during "all on-ice activities" from the start of 2024 in a change to regulations.
