Erik Karlsson Calls Out Other Star NHL Players
Erik Karlsson's start with the Pittsburgh Penguins was overshadowed by a somber event: the loss of former Penguin Adam Johnson, who tragically passed away after a skate blade struck his neck.
Hockey Community Mourns Adam Johnson
This incident has deeply affected the hockey community, prompting many players to adopt neck guards for protection.
Rasmus Dahlin was among the first to endorse this safety measure, and now Karlsson, a celebrated defenseman with a $11.5 million contract and three Norris Trophies, is also embracing it.
Karlsson Reveals He Will Wear a Neckguard
During practice, Karlsson was seen trying out a new neck guard, an action that he feels is a practical step given the circumstances. In a heartfelt statement, he reflected on the balance between the love of the game and the safety of its players, emphasizing that no one would continue playing if it posed a daily risk to their life. He views the adoption of additional safety equipment like the neck guard as a crucial preventive measure and expresses hope that it becomes more widespread among his peers.
"Just trying it out, it is available for us. I don't think it is a bad thing, and I'll probably try it out for a bit and see if I can get accustomed to it and go from there.
The magnitude of the situation that unfortunately happened puts a lot of things in perspective. We all have families and friends - we do this because we love to do this and we get paid well to do it and stuff like that...
At the end of the day, we do it 'cause it's a choice... I don't think anyone would keep doing it if it meant risking your life every day going out there. If you can wear a small piece of equipment to hopefully prevent something like that again, I think that's a win...
We're going to try it out like I said for the foreseeable future and see if I can wear it regularly, I hope I can - and I hope more and more guys try to do the same at least."
The magnitude of the situation that unfortunately happened puts a lot of things in perspective. We all have families and friends - we do this because we love to do this and we get paid well to do it and stuff like that...
At the end of the day, we do it 'cause it's a choice... I don't think anyone would keep doing it if it meant risking your life every day going out there. If you can wear a small piece of equipment to hopefully prevent something like that again, I think that's a win...
We're going to try it out like I said for the foreseeable future and see if I can wear it regularly, I hope I can - and I hope more and more guys try to do the same at least."
Karlsson's decision could set a precedent in the NHL for increased safety, honoring Adam Johnson's memory by ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.
The hockey community is watching to see if more players will follow suit and make neck guards a regular part of their gear.
As Read on Markerzone - Karlsson Calls Out Other NHL Stars for Not Wearing a Neck Guard
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 2 | 113 ANSWERS Erik Karlsson Calls Out Other Star NHL Players Do you think the NHL should make neck guards mandatory? | ||
| Yes | 84 | 74.3 % |
| No | 29 | 25.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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