The hockey world was deeply saddened to learn about the death of former Penguin Adam Johnson last weekend after he took a skate to the neck. Now change seems to be coming across hockey leagues, including the NHL.
Several NHL players have been seen wearing neck protection since last week's tragedy changed how players view the game and their own safety. Among those who have already made the adjustment is Neal Pionk, one of Johnson's closest friends.
Now, Senators star forward Claude Giroux has seemingly joined the movement to protect himself as he chose to wear a neck guard during his game tonight. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun was first to report the news.
At this point, it seems like only a matter of time before all NHLers are wearing neck protection in games. Perhaps the NHL will institute a rules change similar to way they've handled helmet rules in the past. Twice the league has created a new rule but put in a grandfather clause for players who joined the league prior to the rule change. This was done when the league first mandated helmets and again when the league mandated visors on helmets. There are still a few players in the league who are old enough to not wear a visor. Perhaps the next version of that would be players old enough to not wear a neck guard.
