A Coroner has called for all Ice Hockey players to wear neck guards after the death of Adam Johnson.
Adam Johnson died on the 28th of October in Sheffield after his neck was cut by an opponent’s skate during the Nottingham Panthers vs Sheffield Steelers match.
Adam Johnson was taken by ambulance to Northern General Hospital in Sheffield where he then died.
Coroner Tanyka Rawden has now written a prevention of future deaths report calling for more action to be taken by the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).
At this point in the investigation, she is significantly concerned another death could occur and requests for immediate action.
The International Ice Hockey Federation requires all under 18s to wear neck guards, yet this does not extend to players over that age limit.
After the accident last week, the EIHL announced it would not make neckguards mandatory but would encourage people to wear them after Johnson’s death.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) has previously said they will make neckguards mandatory from 2024, but this does not extend to the EIHL which is not under its control.
The coroner said: “During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.”
“In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (the EIHL and EIHA) have the power to take such action.”
The investigation has not yet concluded and the inquest will be heard in full in due course.
Image via Getty Images