The neck protector will become compulsory “for all hockey players,” Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, president of the French Ice Hockey Federation, announced to La Marseillaise. “It was important for us to discuss it directly with the clubs to plan this new measure in a quantitative way,” explained the manager. You have to realize that we have nearly 7,000 licensees (in the men’s categories). We therefore had to ensure that all clubs could obtain them.
This decision follows the death of Adam Johnson, a 29-year-old Canadian hockey player killed during a match in England after having his throat cut by a skate. From December 15, all players will wear protection in the Magnus League, the elite of French hockey, before the introduction of the measure in Division 1 and 2 from mid-January then in Division 3 and amateur from the month from March 2024.
“It’s a very good thing,” reacted Teddy Trabichet, quadruple French champion with the Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble and the Raptors de Gap, also interviewed by La Marseillaise. As a player, it doesn’t bother you and it’s more secure. It’s not much to put on. I say that, but no one wore them. Me first. We weren’t aware of what could happen. You had to experience a tragedy for it to act like an electric shock.”
Already compulsory for hockey players under 20 and for women, the equipment will therefore become compulsory for all licensees in France. Note that the Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble, champions of France in 2021-2022, have set an example by imposing the neck protector from November 21 within the club.