Hockey player Adam Johnson’s death from an on-ice skate blade incident was jarring and tragic. Johnson passed away on Oct. 28 after being cut in the neck by another player’s skate blade during a professional hockey game in Sheffield, England.
Understandably, a vigorous debate has ensued about whether neck guards should be made mandatory beyond the minor hockey league level. Some leagues quickly responded by implementing neck guard policies and others might follow once the issue has been filtered through the proper channels.
Hockey organizations have been responsive to physical injuries in recent years, and the adoption of life-saving protective equipment is certainly important, but this is not the only conversation we should be having.
