New AHL equipment rule to affect NY Islanders and all other franchises

A new rule mandated in the AHL will affect the NY Islanders organization along with all 31 other teams across the league. But this rule has nothing to do with play on the ice, but rather a new equipment mandate.

According to the AHL website, All AHL skaters, referees, and linespersons, regardless of age or experience, will be required to wear approved cut-resistant neck protection beginning this fall.

The decision passed down by League President and CEO, Scott Howson, is in reaction to NHLer, Adam Johnson, dying as a result of a skate cut to the neck while playing in the UK on October 28 of last year.

Johnson, who played for the Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL, was struck in the neck on a freak incident along the blue line.

While the AHL is the first professional league in North America to require a neck guard for all players, USA Hockey implemented the rule for all players and officials under the age of 18. Shortly after Johnson's passing, the Penguins required all AHL and ECHL players to wear the neckguard.

While it hasn't been required, many NHL players began wearing neck guards, including Anze Kopitar and TJ Oshie, whose company, Warroad Hockey, named after his hometown (same as Brock Nelson), has been used by players across the league.

The Islanders have been victims of skate cuts over the past few seasons, notably to Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas who missed significant time. Despite this, no current players have begun wearing neckguards.