mandatory neck guards

[Casey]

I have read a few places that starting March 10th, 2008 neck guards will be mandatory in the OHL following the recent Zednik accident. If anyone knows where to find the official article I would really appreciate reading that

Also looking for some feedback on it, interesting to hear a few different sides of this. I think they shouldn't be mandatory, sure it was tragic, but an accident none the less.

[WellandDogsFan]

I havent heard anything about that at all. I do recall back in 2002 or 2003 when Kitchener hosted some all-star (russian challenge or the O vs the Q or the W) all the players were wearing some sort of neck guard. Personally, I think it should be left up to the individual player as to if they want to wear it or not. I hadnt heard anything about the OHL making neck guards Mandatory. Also, if they were making them mandatory, I would imagine they would be practicing with them on. I havent seen them wearing the neck guards at practice as of yet.

[MadMann]

If they do impliment neck guards then maybe we can sell advertising space on the jerseys to pay for them. Unless the guys still have some sitting around from when they played house league.

[Casey]

Just came out with it at like 5pm or 6pm today WDF if my info is correct

[Casey]

http://www.thehockeyherald.com/?p=829 Thats one site, I also heard on Sportscentre like 5 min before I posted this

[dv8]

The last thing I saw on the neckguard thing was this http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=55957

But I do think it should be up to the player

[Casey]

http://news.therecord.com/article/318129

[cope]

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3600750

[Casey]

Thanks Cope, its nice to know I'm not crazy

[cope]

I know your not crazy.....

[WellandDogsFan]

I understand the motivation behind this move, but I stand behind my earlier statement... I think the decision should be left to the players.

[Casey]

I think most people will take that stance. Going to be interesting. Oshawa will be the last home game without them

[ItsGameTime]

I bet you there are some pretty pissed of players in the OHL right now.

[Niagara Ice Dogs]

If it is going to effect their game play and/or the look of the players on the ice... I say no go... It's like flying in a commercial airliner. What are the chances of dying? I think statistics say about 1 in 1.3 million. Bad analogy, I know :)

Regardless, they may as well dress like the seven year olds do at this rate!

[GoDogsGo]

wow... this is going to be interesting... i too think that it should be a personal choice... but as a trainer...i see the benefit and the safety behind it....also some kids dont want to wear the neck guards as the "pros" dont wear them.. but it is mandatory in minor hockey...

[RioBravo]

It doesn't affect your playing ability at all...Im all for it.

[Niagara Ice Dogs]

I feel that anything added as non-standard (ie. gloves) will have a major negative effect on game play. Why add this right before playoffs? It simply doesn't make sense. That's like decreasing the size of the crease for playoff play. I know it's not a great comparison, but I think it makes sense.

For example, I am used to wearing a watch. When I forgot my watch at home, I'm cognizant of the fact it's not there. I think about it, which in turn effects the way I think; maybe not in a negative manner, but it definitely keeps my mind of the task at hand, whatever that may be!

I'm probably talking out of my ass, but whatever lol

[GoDogsGo]

lets watch the NHL for next season... i see this comming in for new guys and being grandfathered for the others....

[fishfan51]

I understand the motivation behind this move, but I stand behind my earlier statement... I think the decision should be left to the players.

I don't think it should be up to the players at all. There is no reason not to wear one. These guys are kids 16,17,18,19, and 20 years old. They have had to wear one since they were 5 years old, all of a sudden they don't have to wear them because they are in the 'O'? They have had to wear them for the last 10 years, why take it off?

You wouldn't let these kid's skate around without a helmet or a jock would you? Then why not wear a piece of equipment that protects the throat?

I give huge props to the OHL for not waiting for some kid to die on the ice before implementing them. The NHL can learn from thhe OHL on this one.

[GoDogsGo]

I don't think it should be up to the players at all. There is no reason not to wear one. These guys are kids 16,17,18,19, and 20 years old. They have had to wear one since they were 5 years old, all of a sudden they don't have to wear them because they are in the 'O'? They have had to wear them for the last 10 years, why take it off?

You wouldn't let these kid's skate around without a helmet or a jock would you? Then why not wear a piece of equipment that protects the throat?

I give huge props to the OHL for not waiting for some kid to die on the ice before implementing them. The NHL can learn from thhe OHL on this one.
good points... and i agree... but i think that the issue is how this came about...it seems that it came out of the blue without any prior warning...just here is the decision that was made now go with it... and the timing... they could have made better choices about the timing of this being a mndatory thing... like the start of the 2008/2009 season.... This sounds like a quick reaction to a situation... could it be pressure from insurance comapanies...things dont happen this quickly in the OHL...look at the game sheets and the suspensions...

[WellandDogsFan]

I don't think it should be up to the players at all. There is no reason not to wear one. These guys are kids 16,17,18,19, and 20 years old. They have had to wear one since they were 5 years old, all of a sudden they don't have to wear them because they are in the 'O'? They have had to wear them for the last 10 years, why take it off?

You wouldn't let these kid's skate around without a helmet or a jock would you? Then why not wear a piece of equipment that protects the throat?

I give huge props to the OHL for not waiting for some kid to die on the ice before implementing them. The NHL can learn from thhe OHL on this one.
If you use that argument, why take the cage off when they come to the OHL? Some would say its just as important safety wise.

You are correct, I wouldnt let them out without helmets or cups. But if you had asked me that question 20+ years ago, I (and many others) may have had a different answer concerning helmets.

I am not condemning the OHL for enacting this piece of legislation, I just think it should be up to the player.

[ItsGameTime]

I don't think it should be up to the players at all. There is no reason not to wear one. These guys are kids 16,17,18,19, and 20 years old. They have had to wear one since they were 5 years old, all of a sudden they don't have to wear them because they are in the 'O'? They have had to wear them for the last 10 years, why take it off?

You wouldn't let these kid's skate around without a helmet or a jock would you? Then why not wear a piece of equipment that protects the throat?

I give huge props to the OHL for not waiting for some kid to die on the ice before implementing them. The NHL can learn from thhe OHL on this one.

I hope you realize that most of the guys that wear them are going to "adjust" them to the point where im pretty sure it wont matter if its there or not. I know myself I folded mine in half because i didnt like the feeling of being in a neckbrace when i played. whether they are mandatory or not they will find a way to manipulate them. for example folding them in half or wearing them loosely so if a skate gets up there its not going to protect anything...

thats just my 2 cents from playing hockey since i was 5, and watching others use neckguards.

[fishfan51]

good points... and i agree... but i think that the issue is how this came about...it seems that it came out of the blue without any prior warning...just here is the decision that was made now go with it... and the timing... they could have made better choices about the timing of this being a mndatory thing... like the start of the 2008/2009 season.... This sounds like a quick reaction to a situation... could it be pressure from insurance comapanies...things dont happen this quickly in the OHL...look at the game sheets and the suspensions...

It didn't come out of the blue...it came out of the board of govenors meetings.

Again...these guys are used to playing with neck guards because the had no choice but to wear them for the last 10 years. Players like Aggozino and Friesen had no choice but to wear them less then 12 months ago when they were playing minor midget. The "Q" has had neck guards mandatory for years.

I bet if you ask any one of the players parents they would tell you how happy they are with this descision. There is a time at place to look "cool", guys flying around you with razor sharp ginsu knifes on their feet isn't the place.

Put them on and go play hockey boys!

[GoDogsGo]

and that brings up a whole other issue... enforcement....i'll leave it at that....

[fishfan51]

If you use that argument, why take the cage off when they come to the OHL? Some would say its just as important safety wise.

You are correct, I wouldnt let them out without helmets or cups. But if you had asked me that question 20+ years ago, I (and many others) may have had a different answer concerning helmets.

I am not condemning the OHL for enacting this piece of legislation, I just think it should be up to the player.

I don't think they should take the cage off...why do they wear the cage in the NCAA?

Remember for every kid that makes it, there are probably going to be 25 in this league who don't. Those kids don't need to go through life with missing teeth or an eye.

I am obviously in favour of any protection you give theses kids.

[ItsGameTime]

to further my point, heres crosby as an example... what is this neckguard going to protect? its loose and covering only 25% of his neck so by the chance the skate hits his neckguard it wont even stay in one place.

http://z.about.com/d/proicehockey/1/7/6/5/rimouski_2005_Dave_Sandford.jpg

[GoDogsGo]

It didn't come out of the blue...it came out of the board of govenors meetings.

obviously it came from there... but there has been NO talk about this being discussed at all.... just a ... here we talked and here is what is happening...which is the right of the govenors...but it seems like a bandaid quick fix solution...

Dont get me wrong.. i am for this... but just shocked how quick it happens...

[WellandDogsFan]

I don't think they should take the cage off...why do they wear the cage in the NCAA?

Remember for every kid that makes it, there are probably going to be 25 in this league who don't. Those kids don't need to go through life with missing teeth or an eye.

I am obviously in favour of any protection you give theses kids.
Going off on a tangent a bit.... dont you think that having a cage has taught kids to be irresponsible with their sticks? Just asking a question.

I am all for safety. I just dont see the neck proctector helping because I can see the kids do things such as what IGT said he use to do.

[ItsGameTime]

I am all for safety. I just dont see the neck proctector helping because I can see the kids do things such as what IGT said he use to do.
Which angered my mom every time i did it too hahhahaha :D

[GoDogsGo]

Going off on a tangent a bit.... dont you think that having a cage has taught kids to be irresponsible with their sticks? Just asking a question.

I am all for safety. I just dont see the neck proctector helping because I can see the kids do things such as what IGT said he use to do.
so back to my point of enforcement.... can this be done... penalty for improper wearing of neck guard... if you cant enforce it.... then why have a rule...especially a mandatory rule...

[fishfan51]

so back to my point of enforcement.... can this be done... penalty for improper wearing of neck guard... if you cant enforce it.... then why have a rule...especially a mandatory rule...

You can enforce it. Guys use to push their helmets back so far that their visor was so high on their head it really had no effect. The ref's tell the players to put the helmet on properly. (one warning)

Players can and have gotten 10 mins for not wearing their equipment properly.

[GoDogsGo]

so with the new neck guard rule... do we have new enforcement policies...

[fishfan51]

Going off on a tangent a bit.... dont you think that having a cage has taught kids to be irresponsible with their sticks? Just asking a question.

For the most part...when the full cage is worn, sticks tend to come up more...point taken.

But...if your stick comes up 10 times and hits me in the face while I am wearing a cage...no damage done.

If your stick comes up once and hits me in the face and I am not wearing a cage, there will probably be some damage done.

For example Aggy has stitches inside and outside his mouth from the Brampton game. Last year at this time (minor midget)he was wearing a cage and no damage would have been done. The Brampton player had no intent to injure Aggy, but it happened and it could have been an eye.

I relize we aren't going to agree on the matter, just my two cents.

[Niagara Ice Dogs]

Enforcing it is a whole other issue. I can see the width of pads, curve in the stick, but a neck guard and wearing it properly? Those kids are already told (for those in catholic schools) to tuck in your shirts about ten times per day LOL.

Safety? Listen. NOTHING is safe. You can put bones out on the ice and he could get his throat slashed.

Again, even if you're wearing a suit of armour, ANYTHING can happen. Sure you can try to prevent things, but worry about preventing and enforcing boarding and head shots before you worry about neck guards.

Let's compare the number of illegal blows to the head vs. slashes to the throat in the OHL. What's his name out here.. Quizzer?lol ... In all seriousness, I think there is more important things to worry about!

[ItsGameTime]

A point on cages....

I don't know if anyone noticed how loose Aggy's cage was. Thats how most junior players use them (if they have to use them) and no one says anything, if he gets body checked and his cage goes into his throat that could be a whole new problem (it has happened to me before).

My point is that no matter what you mandate with these kids, if they dont like it they will manipulate it and they will get away with it unless the enforcement changes.

[MadMann]

It doesn't affect your playing ability at all...Im all for it.

I hated when I had to wear one. It deffinately affected my playing.

[WellandDogsFan]

I relize we aren't going to agree on the matter, just my two cents.
One of the reasons I enjoy debate is that its ok to have different opinions. You, unlike some selected others on this site, can see that even though we have divergent thoughts on this matter, we can agree to disagree and still talk to each other like human beings.:hurray:

[Phil Margonis]

yeah the Q has had neck guards for a while. like don cherry said they're more imortant than visors because you can't die from a stick to the eye but obviously you can if your throat gets cut

[RioBravo]

I hated when I had to wear one. It deffinately affected my playing.

Eh You would more then likely get used to it 5 minutes into the game and you should be focused enough that a neck guard shouldn't effect you. In other news on Facebook there is a "Keep neck guards out of the OHL" group. As of now about 50 OHL players have already joined.

[Niagara Ice Dogs]

Eh You would more then likely get used to it 5 minutes into the game and you should be focused enough that a neck guard shouldn't effect you. In other news on Facebook there is a "Keep neck guards out of the OHL" group. As of now about 50 OHL players have already joined.

That's equal to about two and half teams. Considering (I would guessestimate) 80 percent of the OHL players are on Facebook, this is a strong number not interested in wearing the guards.

I'm not technically inclined when it comes to this site, but can someone start a web-poll? It'd be interesting to see the numbers.

[Casey]

I'm not technically inclined when it comes to this site, but can someone start a web-poll? It'd be interesting to see the numbers.

Very good idea

[Niagara Ice Dogs]

Why thank you. Seems the poll is neck and neck yes vs. no. No pun intended ;)

[habsfan]

Maybe I'm a little late with this topic, but here's my 1 1/2 cents...

The decision, coming from the board, totally seems to be a knee jerk reaction. Without the Zednik incident, would this have even been a thought??

Should they be forced to wear one?? I'm all for an individual's right to choose, but in this case I see this as such a minor piece of equipment that I really don't have a problem with it (I know this sets a precedence, an brings up the logical argument of "where do you draw the line..."). However I've never worn one but my son would tell you he absolutely hates it, but he still wears one. What he is wearing is probably what most of the players will choose to wear, it's built into your undershirt and looks more like a loose turtleneck. It's completely legal and approved byt hockey canada and CSA.

As far as the enforcement aspect, there's no "new" rule to govern the neckgard, just applies to improperly worn equipment (or whatever it's called).

So, I'm ok with the new rule. But then again, I think that the NHL should have visors as well!!!

[MadMann]

most players are probably going to opt fot the donut style neck guard anyways because its the leas restricting. That thing wouldnt do anything to stop a flying skate. If they wanted seriuos protection then they would need to impliment the style that tucks in or ties to the shoulder pads.

[GoDogsGo]

most players are probably going to opt fot the donut style neck guard anyways because its the leas restricting. That thing wouldnt do anything to stop a flying skate. If they wanted seriuos protection then they would need to impliment the style that tucks in or ties to the shoulder pads.
the bib style....
http://www.kwspeedskating.com/images/neck%20guard.jpg

http://www.gmaxsports.com/images/Hockey/Accessories-Bags/Itech-Nectech-N8-Bib.gif

[MadMann]

yeah that style. and its super uncomfortable unless you have it loose. Loosening it negates a good portion of its protection. I dont know about this topic . Im kind of on the fence. Its a good idea for protection but it is personal protection. I think It was the late 80s when players started switching from short gloves to long ones. They saw the injury rate and decided to take thier own action. Im sure they would do the same if they felt a real concern over neck slashing incidents.

[habsfan]

Here's the one built into the shirt. It's really just a loose turtleneck. No padding, but prevents cuts which is the point of all this...

http://www.thehockeyshop.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/ItechNeckGuardShirt.jpg

[GoDogsGo]

2 in one.... nice.... wonder if that would be hot to wear during the game or if the material is similar to the under armour stuff....

[habsfan]

2 in one.... nice.... wonder if that would be hot to wear during the game or if the material is similar to the under armour stuff....

My son has one, it's just like the underarmour (maybe they make one too?). The neckguard part is slightly different, Kevlar I think, but still very pliable, not rigid at all...

[GoDogsGo]

i'll have to look into one of those for my son... 2 less things to keep track of in the hockey bag...thanks for the info....where did ya find them...

[habsfan]

i'll have to look into one of those for my son... 2 less things to keep track of in the hockey bag...thanks for the info....where did ya find them...

Yeah, I know all about the hockey bag check before running out the door!! :w00t:

He's had it a couple of years now, but I think you could probably find one at most sports stores (Front Row, Buckner's, Gatter's). Call ahead...

[MadMann]

Wow Habsfan. Thats an awsome piece of equipment.

[GoDogsGo]

Yeah, I know all about the hockey bag check before running out the door!! :w00t:

He's had it a couple of years now, but I think you could probably find one at most sports stores (Front Row, Buckner's, Gatter's). Call ahead...
awsome... thanks....:cheers2:

[GoDogsGo]

OHL players voice opposition to neck-guard rule

Updated Thu. Mar. 6 2008 2:56 PM ET
toronto.ctv.ca
A storm of protest has erupted online from Ontario Hockey League players who oppose a new rule that forces them to wear neck guards on the ice.
The new rule comes into effect March 10 but players are doing what they can before then to make their opposition heard loud and clear.
A new group named "Keep neck guards out of the OHL" was created on Facebook early Wednesday morning. By Thursday afternoon, more than 180 people joined the group on the popular social networking website to sound off on the new regulation.
One group member wrote, "We might as well put the cage on if we have to wear neck guards."
Another hockey player posted a note saying he simply won't wear it.
"I probably shouldn't be in this league anyway but I'll be pumping gas before I will wear a neck guard," he wrote.
Some of the players said wearing extra equipment is uncomfortable and restricts their playing ability.
The ruling was prompted by a dangerous incident during an NHL game on Feb. 10 when Florida Panthers player Richard Zednik was cut in the neck by his teammate's skate.
The cut severed Zednik's external carotid artery. He was upgraded to good condition and has since been quoted as saying he will wear a neck guard once he returns to the ice.
Drake Berehowsky, the assistant coach of the Barrie Colts, said there was the same type of opposition when visors were made mandatory a few years ago.
"When we brought in mandatory visors in the OHL a lot of guys complained about it but they seem to getting used to it now," he said Wednesday in an interview with A-Channel.
"There's always going to be guys complaining, guys who don't like it but you know what, they'll get used to (neck guards)," he added. "It just takes some time to get used to and hopefully it will keep everyone a little safer."
The Colts' head athletic therapist, Kelly McKeraghan, said she couldn't agree more.
"A neck getting cut by a skate doesn't happen very often but when it does it can definitely be a life-threatening injury so for them to be taking this approach and trying to prevent it is a good idea," she told A-Channel Wednesday.
Players were also quick to voice their displeasure with the neck guards at the arena.
John Tavares, a star player with the Oshawa Generals, said he's not in favour of the change.
"It's very thin, it's not even really that protective I think," he said in an interview with TSN Wednesday. "Personally I would like to stay the way we are. Everything's okay for us. It's a debatable issue I guess."

http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20080221/450_ap_zednik1_080221.jpg
Florida Panthers hockey player Richard Zednik discusses his neck injury for the first time since the accident occurred during an NHL game in Buffalo last week, during a news conference in Sunrise, Fla., Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008. (AP / J. Pat Carter)

[habsfan]

Thanks for finding the article GDG. There was a news report on TV last night about it. My son immediately went on facebook and found all the quotes. Some (vocal minority) are obviously pretty adament about not wearing one, but I would think it's only because the whole thing is so new and it'll blow over soon. The players will all come to grips with the fact they have to wear one (or they'll be "pumping gas"!).

[GoDogsGo]

crazy scare eh....

[GoDogsGo]

people are scared of change... like habsfan said... it will all blow over soon... and we'll be saying... remember when...

[tml]

I am old enough to remember when Ontario passed the manditory seatbelt law. No one liked it. Most of the time I did n't wear it. Now I can't get into the car without putting it on. It feels wierd NOT to have it on. It certainly feels more safe to have it on. I say wear the neck guard and make it manditory. It is not worth the risk of a young man being killed. I watched the Zednik and Malarchuk incidents and they were very luckey. Trainers and med staff were immediately on the scene to save their lives. I am not sure whether or not the response in the OHL would be the same, but it hardly seems worth the risk. The other thing that concerns me about the OHL is that it is a whole lot rougher than the NHL. Way more fights more checks etc... It does n't take much in a fight or check to fall on someones skate blade. Greater chance I think of getting hurt in the O. The kids will get used to it and in a few years no one would think of going out there without it. IMHO.

[skatee]

king kong wallingford and emmerton runnin that facebook group

[Phil Margonis]

yeah Rio i saw that facebook group- keep neck guards out the ohl. wallingford that 6'7 d-man from kingston started it and lots of players have joined. i guess it was on tsn too. seeing how much they hate it i change my vote to No they shouldnt be mandatory for all players. maybe anyone under 18 make it mandatory for but players 18+ can chose

[B-Rad]

During the Brampton game, the TV announcers indicated the neck guards would become mandatory in the OHL within a few weeks.

Any word on this?

[GoDogsGo]

march 10th.... there is already a thread for this... so i moved it...

[AlphaDog]

Wow! It's not usual to see them implement new rules during the season, nevermind right at the END.

Oh well, it will be interesting. i mean, when it comes to safety, there's no use waiting for next season.

And I'm sure with the technology available now and all the different materials, they won't be those big paddy neck guards I used to wear 20 yrs ago. Damn those things made you HOT.

They could probably even make them look like some kind of cool carbonfibre/padded dog collar! :P

[GoDogsGo]

most had them on during practice today...and I say most...LOL

[WellandDogsFan]

The guys were wearing them at practice today. It looks like its mandatory at practice as well, but I havent seen anything to indicate this though.

[GoDogsGo]

it interesting that these guys have to wear them even at practice... but the coaching staff dont need to wear buckets... not saying that they should ... nor do i want to give any idea's to anyone... LOL.... but really.... in the minors... all coaches and people on the ice MUST wear buckets....

[GoDogsGo]

Saving their necks; OHL players are now required to wear potentially life-saving neck guards during games

Posted By DAVE BORODY

Posted 6 hours ago

Sarnia Observer:

Starting tonight, Ontario Hockey League players will be wearing some added protection.
The league announced recently that all players will wear neck guards for the remainder of the season.
The neck guards are in response to a neck injury suffered by Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers in a National Hockey League game last month against Buffalo.
Zednik was accidentally clipped in the throat by a skate blade from one of his own teammates.
Sarnia Sting general manager Alan Millar is a member of the OHL competitions committee, one of three committees which looked at adopting neck protectors (the other two were the executive committee and the board of governors).
"We had a good discussion about the issue and whether or not we should wait or do it now," said Millar on Monday. "We all felt that if something serious happened, and we did nothing about it, how would we feel? We looked at it in the best interest of the players and decided to act now rather than later."
Neck guards are nothing new for hockey players across the country. They have been used for several years in the Quebec Major Junior League, although that was mandated by the provincial government in Quebec.
The Western Major Junior League has decided to wait until next season to introduce neck guards.
Millar said the league checked with their supplier and there were enough in stock to provide the 20-teams in the OHL with neck guards now.
"I know some people might question the timing of all this. I've already heard some players who don't like the idea. There's going to be a little transition for some of the older players who haven't worn one for a few years. But it's not as if one team is doing it and others aren't. It's the same for everyone."
The Sting will get a few days to wear them in practice before their next game Thursday night against the Erie Otters at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre.



But there's one player on the Sting who would prefer not to wear one and that's top scorer Steve Stamkos.
Stamkos wore the neck guard all through minor hockey and most recently at the world junior championships because he was an underage player.
"It's one of my pet peeves," said Stamkos this week. "I hated wearing it in minor hockey. But it's kind of tough not to agree with the call to wear one. It's for our protection. But if it was up to me, I wouldn't wear one."
Stamkos added, "at the world juniors, I wore one that a guy from the Quebec League had. I felt a little restricted at times. But it's a small piece of equipment and we are all in the same boat."
Craig Hartsburg, who coached Stamkos at the world juniors, and is head coach of the Sault St. Marie Greyhounds, chuckled when he heard Stamkos' remarks.
"I don't think he has to worry about it for that long. He's going to be in a different league next year anyway."
Hartsburg was more serious in the issue of neck protectors.
"I know some of the players don't like it, but the players aren't running this league, adults are. In this case, they made the right choice. I would not want to be standing behind the bench and see something happen to one of our players, like happened to Zednik. I would never forgive myself knowing we could have prevented a serious injury."
He added, "it's part of life and we have to adapt."
Sting head coach Dave MacQueen agreed.
"It's the same for everybody. You can't use it as an excuse. Most of these players wore them up through minor hockey. In our case, we have a couple of days of practice to get used to them. If we didn't do it and something happened, how would that look?"
OHL commissioner David Branch issued this statement:
"The Ontario Hockey League has a responsibility to continually address the best interests of its players. We are of the opinion that the introduction of the wearing of neck guards will only serve to enhance the health and welfare of all players in our league."

Article ID# 938619

[skatee]

The guys were wearing them at practice today. It looks like its mandatory at practice as well, but I havent seen anything to indicate this though.


i aasked swifty after sunday's game
he said htye would wear them at practices to prepare for having to wear them on thursday

[Casey]

I must admit, I am sort of looking forward to seeing them tomorrow

[skatee]

I must admit, I am sort of looking forward to seeing them tomorrow

i talked to a couple of guys who are just resigned to wearing them... although they dont like the idea
the other i talked to was a first-year player who had worn one last year anyways... so no big diff for him