KIJHL adopts mandatory neck protection policy

The KIJHL is one of the latest hockey leagues to mandate neck protection for its players.

The new policy takes effect immediately, though teams will be given time to source out the equipment.

This comes after pro hockey player Adam Johnson was killed in an incident last month when he was hit by an opposing player’s skate.

See a statement from the KIJHL below:

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League announced today that it will require all players to wear mandatory neck protection when participating in any on-ice team activity, including games and practices.

While this policy takes effect immediately, the timeline to obtain a suitable quantity of neck protectors for the KIJHL’s approximately 500 players is not presently known.

Consideration will be given to teams and athletes in situations where the demand for neck protectors cannot be immediately met, and the KIJHL will work with its member clubs to assist in instances where local availability is exhausted.

– Article includes statement and image from KIJHL