Listen Live

KIJHL implements neck guard policy

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has announced a mandatory neck guard policy for all 500 of its players.  

It comes after former Pittsburgh Penguins player Adam Johnson was killed in a freak on-ice accident Saturday after his neck was cut by a skate during a game in England. 

In response to the tragedy, various hockey organizations around the world have implemented neck guard policies, including the Western Hockey League and now the KIHJL. 

The KIJHL said Thursday in a media release that while the policy takes effect immediately, consideration will be given to teams and athletes in situations where demand can’t be met and that it will work with its members to help solve any supply issues.  

The league commissioner Jeff Dubois says the policy was developed following consultation with coaches, team governors, BC hockey and other junior leagues around the province. 

“With the death of Adam Johnson last weekend in a pro game in England, I think that was a big eye -opener for all of us in junior hockey. Ultimately, player health and safety is our top priority and I think deciding to implement a policy like this is our responsibility given what we saw last weekend.” 

He says the league has been engaging in promising conversations with manufacturers and hopes to have every player equipped with a neck-guard within a couple of weeks.  

 

Storrm Lennie
Storrm Lennie
Storrm began her journalism career in the Kootenays, joining Vista Radio in 2022. Originally from Red Deer, Alta., she now calls Nelson home and brings her passion for politics and community to her reporting.

Continue Reading

ckcv Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

RCMP vehicle sparks wildfire north of Lytton

A wildfire burning near Lytton grew to over 1.5 square kilometres Thursday and has been declared a wildfire of note by the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Climate advocate joins B.C. Greens leadership race

The B.C. Greens have added 24-year-old climate advocate Emily Lowan from Victoria to the slate of candidates in the party's leadership race.

Residents can leave feedback on CleanBC initiative using survey

The B.C. government wants your thoughts on its plan to lower emissions by filling in a survey.
- Advertisement -