After the death of Adam Johnson, the American Hockey League requires neck protection

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts (KDKA) – On Friday, the American Hockey League, the NHL's main development league, ordered that all players wear cut-resistant neck protection starting this season.

The AHL President and CEO made it official on Friday in a unanimous vote of the AHL Board of Directors, declaring that all field players, referees and linesmen must wear the protection this season.

Before this season, players and officials were required to wear cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves.

The decision came less than a year after former Penguins forward Adam Johnson died in a “freak accident” during a game in the United Kingdom when he injured his neck with a skate.

“Nottingham Panthers are deeply saddened to announce that Adam Johnson tragically passed away last night in a bizarre accident during the game in Sheffield,” his team said on X (formerly Twitter) in October.

Johnson spent parts of two seasons with the Penguins, playing in a total of 13 games between the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, scoring one goal and three assists.

He was 29 years old.

Professional hockey and neck protection

Before Johnson's death, neck protection was optional in professional hockey and was often not worn by most players.

After his death, the Penguins required their minor league players in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Wheeling to wear neck braces.

“Hopefully that's one of the positive things that will come out of this terrible tragedy,” said head coach Mike Sullivan. “We can't do that at the NHL level, but we can certainly encourage people and that's our hope.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league cannot mandate neck braces because of the collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Players Association, but told ESPN, “Players are free to wear neck braces and I would strongly encourage them to do so.”

Penguins and Panthers honor Adam Johnson

In the days following Johnson's tragic death, both the Penguins and his team in the UK, the Nottingham Panthers, paid their last respects to the 29-year-old striker.

“He was a great kid. It was a privilege to be his coach,” Sullivan said. “I remember his first game and his first goal in Minnesota. He was a great kid, a great player. And boy, could he really skate.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” said Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. “He's just a great guy, a great teammate and had a great attitude when he was here. I'm just really happy to be playing in the NHL. It's heartbreaking.”

The Penguins also wore AJ 47 helmet decals during their October 30, 2023 game against the Anaheim Ducks at PPG Paints Arena.

Meanwhile, in Nottingham, thousands of fans crowded into the Motorpoint Arena and queued up to sign condolence books.

“The entire Panthers organization is in Hibbing, Minnesota today with love and prayers as family and friends lay Adam to rest,” the Panthers said. “Forever our number 47.”