Grand Rapids Griffins Mandated To Wear New Gear By The AHL

The Grand Rapids Griffins will be joining the rest of the American Hockey League in taking an extra precaution this season.

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The American Hockey League (AHL) has announced a new mandate requiring all players and on-ice officials to wear cut-resistant neck protection starting in the 2024-2025 season.

This decision was unanimously approved by the AHL Board of Governors and is aimed at enhancing player safety across the league.

The move comes in response to growing concerns about player safety following a tragic incident in November 2023, when former NHL player Adam Johnson died after suffering a fatal injury from a skate during a game.

WARNING GRAPHIC VIDEO 

This incident prompted teams like the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to implement neck guard requirements, setting a precedent that the AHL has now adopted league-wide.

In addition to neck guards, the AHL had previously mandated cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves for the 2023-2024 season.

The new neck protection rule will apply to all players and officials, regardless of their age or experience level, ensuring that safety standards are consistent across the board.

This initiative aligns with similar policies in other hockey leagues, including the Canadian Hockey League and the International Ice Hockey Federation, both of which have made neck protection compulsory.

However, as of now, the National Hockey League has not instituted any such regulations.

Will the AHL's decision influence whether players in the NHL will one day do the same?

I don't think so, but I hope hockey leagues across the world make players safety a top priority.