The death of Adam Johnson sent shockwaves across the hockey world last night into today. Some players have already made equipment changes in an effort to protect themselves.
Johnson's Death Sparks Change
The Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL confirmed the worst this morning, stating that forward and former Penguin Adam Johnson passed away as a result from his injury.
Johnson's Death may not have been in vein though. As the news quickly spread across the internet, some players took notice and took it upon themselves to protect their necks from potential cuts. As the Providence Bruins of the AHL took the ice tonight, several players were seen wearing new neck protectors.
The NHLPA is reportedly already working to add neck protection to the next collective bargaining agreement. The players association wants the league to issue standard neck protective equipment to all players. Such a move would likely make another tragedy extremely unlikely if not impossible.