Tyler Bertuzzi #59 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates with teammates on the bench.Photo:Justin Berl/Getty Images
Justin Berl/Getty Images
After NHL player Adam Johnson’stragic deathlast month, members of the hockey community suggested the addition of cut-resistant neck guards to player uniforms. Now, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi has become the first NHL player to compete in the added safety gear since the shocking tragedy on Oct 28.
The Panthers and Steelers play for England’s Elite Ice Hockey League, but the tragedy sparked worldwide discourse concerning players' safety. According toNPR, cut-resistant neck guards sold out in certain areas following Johnson’s death.
National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman “strongly” encouraged players to wear neck guards during apress conferenceon Nov. 16, but the commissioner said his league hasn’t “implemented mandatory equipment requirements” until a decision is made with the Players Association.
Adam Johnson.Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty
Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty
The topic “is something we’ve been discussing” with the PA’s members, Bettman said while speaking to reporters. “But in the interim, players are free” to make their own decisions concerning neck guards.
After Toronto’s 4-3 defeat in overtime to the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, Bertuzzi, 28, spoke toThe Hockey Newsabout playing with the neck guard. “This one was pretty comfy, and it goes pretty high,” he said, adding, “It gets a little hot at times but I’ll take it off on the bench.
Bertuzzi said that he will “probably continue to use it” as the season continues. In January 2021, he suffered a frightening laceration to his wrist during a game against the Anaheim Ducks. “It’s always. a scary thing,” he told the outlet.
Bertuzzi is the only player to wear a neck guard during an NHL game since Johnson’s death, but his teammates, Mark Giordano and Simon Benoit, have been acclimating to playing with the guards during recent practices, according to Hockey News.
Players Valtteri Pulli and Jacob Peterson of the San Jose Sharks' affiliate team in the AHL, San Jose Barracuda, also wore neck guards during recent home games, according toSan Jose Hockey Now.
Jacob Peterson #24 of the San Jose Sharks skates against the Nashville Predators.John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images
John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images
Peterson said, “After the tragedy, [the Barracuda] equipment manager had four neck guards and asked if anyone wanted to wear one. So I figured I’d try it out and see if I minded it.”
Players are seemingly reluctant to add neck guards to their game uniforms due to the discomfort hindering their play on the ice, but Peterson told San Jose Hockey Now, “It really isn’t bad at all. I didn’t notice it much, so I figured I’d keep wearing it. I’ve worn them in the past so it wasn’t new for me.”
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Peterson added, “The technology has increased over the years,” Peterson said. “So it’s almost as if you’re not wearing anything after a while.”
Before moving to the EIHL, Johnson played for the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
On Oct 31, Penguins coach Mike Sullivansaidhis team has had “discussions” about the topic. “We are in the process right now of trying to talk to our players about some protective equipment in those vulnerable areas,” he added.
source: people.com
