Photo credit: Gino Hard

Junior Player Almost Passes Away After Scary Skate Blade Accident
BY DAWSON MCKENZIE NOVEMBER 16, 2023 (12:14)
Young Player's Life is Saved By Wearing a Neckguard
A scary incident happened during a u16 AAA hockey game that saw a player's neck get cut by a skate blade. Luckily, this player was wearing a neck guard which effectively saved his life. Hockey Eastern Ontario recently shared a photo of the player's neck, sharing a message about the importance of neck guards.
"The picture you see here is from a U16AAA game that happened last night in @HEOhockey. The player was cut by a skate. Luckily he was wearing a neck guard or this could have been much worse. This can happen any night in any rink. Protective equipment matters for everyone.
Thanks to the family for allowing us to share this photo. We are thankful that the player will make a complete recovery. Please share so we can stress this important message for all hockey players and officials."
Thanks to the family for allowing us to share this photo. We are thankful that the player will make a complete recovery. Please share so we can stress this important message for all hockey players and officials."

Continues the Conversation Around Mandatory Neck Guards
The incident forces hockey executives at all levels to consider mandating neck guards at all levels. While many junior and minor hockey leagues mandate neck guards already, this should be another message to professional leagues to mandate the important life saving piece of equipment.
Mike Gabinet (@OmahaHKY HC) on neck guards today...
"I support it. The players are old enough to make their decisions, but to me it's why not protect yourself and give yourself an extra layer of protection."
Multiple Omaha players were wearing them last weekend against LIU.
"I support it. The players are old enough to make their decisions, but to me it's why not protect yourself and give yourself an extra layer of protection."
Multiple Omaha players were wearing them last weekend against LIU.
The fight to mandate neck guards will continue across leagues as the conversation and advocacy pushes forward.
As seen on Hockey Patrol - "Neck Guard Saves Player's Life After Near-Fatal Collision With Skate Blade"
DO YOU THINK THE NHL SHOULD MANDATE NECK GUARDS? NOVEMBER 16 69 ANSWERS | ||
YES | 56 | 81.2 % |
NO | 13 | 18.8 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
TOP 5
LEADERS 2023-2024 | ||||||||
GP | G | A | PTS | |||||
1- NIKITA KUCHEROV | 27 | 17 | 27 | 44 | ||||
2- J.T. MILLER | 27 | 14 | 25 | 39 | ||||
3- ARTEMI PANARIN | 24 | 16 | 21 | 37 | ||||
4- DAVID PASTRNAK | 25 | 14 | 22 | 36 | ||||
5- NATHAN MACKINNON | 26 | 10 | 26 | 36 | ||||
6- QUINN HUGHES | 27 | 9 | 27 | 36 | ||||
7- CALE MAKAR | 24 | 7 | 27 | 34 | ||||
8- ELIAS PETTERSSON | 27 | 10 | 24 | 34 | ||||
9- JACK HUGHES | 19 | 10 | 23 | 33 | ||||
10- CONNOR MCDAVID | 21 | 8 | 24 | 32 | ||||
2023-2024 LEADERS |