The recent death of American hockey player Adam Johnson due to a skate cut to the neck has sparked discussions on how to prevent similar injuries in the future. In response to this tragedy, a new mandate for young players in the United States has been implemented, and the incident has also fueled the development of new on-ice protection technology against skate blade injuries.
While protective gear for wrists and legs has undergone advancements in recent years, ensuring absolute safety remains a challenge. The limitations of existing equipment were highlighted when Columbus Blue Jackets rookie Adam Fantilli suffered a skate blade cut to the back of his left leg, even though he was wearing Kevlar socks specifically designed to prevent such injuries. This incident underscores the need for further improvements in design and materials for cut-proof protective gear.
Dr. Michael Stuart, chief medical officer for USA Hockey, acknowledges that there is room for innovation in creating better cut-resistant materials and designs to cover vulnerable areas of the body. With the introduction of a neck guard mandate by USA Hockey for players under 18 and others in junior, boys, or girls classifications up to age 20, there is now increased demand for enhanced materials and devices. This demand has prompted companies to ramp up production and work on developing better designs and materials.
Protecting players from the sharp edges of skate blades has been a gradual process that has evolved over many years, often prompted by terrifying incidents on the ice. Infamous incidents, such as the throat slash suffered by goaltender Clint Malarchuk in 1989 and a similar injury to Richard Zednik in 2008, have served as catalysts for change. Various body parts, including wrists, calves, Achilles tendons, and even the torso, remain at risk.
The introduction of cut-proof socks in the NHL gained momentum when Philadelphia's Claude Giroux experienced a cut to the back of his left leg in 2015. This incident prompted then-teammate Carlo Colaiacovo to advocate for all players to wear cut-resistant socks. Colaiacovo, now an ambassador for Daredevil Hockey, a company specializing in cut-proof gear, emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of potential injuries and the effectiveness of cut-resistant equipment.
Gianfranco Talarico, founder of a company dedicated to developing cut-proof gear, started his venture after witnessing a youth player being sliced in the thigh by a skate blade narrowly missing a femoral artery. Statistics collected from 1990-2006 revealed that lacerations, often from sticks and skates, were one of the leading causes of emergency room visits among ice hockey players in the United States. Talarico stresses that these types of injuries are more common than people think, and there is a significant need for preventative measures.
Hockey Canada has mandated the use of neck guards for youth players for the past thirty years. Tragic incidents, such as the death of Connecticut high school player Teddy Balkind from a skate cut to the neck in 2022, have led to a reevaluation of safety measures. The recent death of Adam Johnson, a former NHL player, due to a similar incident has further motivated players to adopt the use of neck guards.
Companies like Bauer Hockey have made significant advancements in protective gear, emphasizing both protection and comfort. They have introduced base layer shirts with integrated neck protection that remains in place during play. These innovative products typically cost around $75.
Entrepreneurs are also entering the market with new offerings. Carter Hogg, a 20-year-old college athlete who developed a head covering to reduce concussion risk after his brother suffered a career-ending head injury, has expanded his product line to include Kevlar neck protection. G8RSkin Ice, a new product developed in collaboration with USA Hockey team physician Dr. Charles Popkin and Dr. Andrew Saleh, head medical team physician for the American Hockey League's San Diego Gulls, is currently in the certification process.
Bill Shaffer and his son Luke, with a background in metal-cutting, have designed a machine that significantly reduces the cutting qualities of skate blades while simultaneously maintaining sharpness. By using filament brushes with diamonds, the machine removes burrs in a manner that hand stone grinding cannot achieve. The effectiveness of this equipment has been confirmed by numerous teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Denver University, Michigan State, and Penn State. The machine's ability to reduce the risk of accidental cuts has gained recognition from the sports community.
The International Ice Hockey Federation recently announced that they will mandate the use of neck guards at all levels of tournaments they organize. However, the NHL currently does not have such a requirement, and any potential implementation would be subject to negotiations between the league and the players' union.
While complete elimination of skate blade lacerations may be impossible, the tragic death of Adam Johnson has ignited a collective effort to prevent similar incidents in the future. Hockey stakeholders are working to develop and promote new protective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of players. The goal is to stay ahead of potential injuries and create a safer environment on the ice.
Note: This article is based on information from an Associated Press report.
