“Made my choice for my kids,” Capitals’ T.J. Oshie explains reason for wearing neck guard during recent NHL game following death of Adam Johnson

Washington Capitals' T.J. Oshie has now given his reason for sporting a neck guard without the approval of NHL.

“Made my choice for my kids,” Capitals’ T.J. Oshie explains reason for wearing neck guard during recent NHL game following death of Adam Johnson

T.J. Oshie wearing a neck guard (Pic Credit: Russian Machine Never Breaks)

The recent tragic passing of Adam Johnson is still haunting some NHLers. The former Pittsburgh Penguins forward was involved in a “freak accident” with Matt Petrgave. During the game, his throat got cut by the skates of Petgrave which resulted in his death. Since then the talk of using protective neck guards has been on the rise. Washington Capitals’ T.J. Oshie has now started using it and explained his reason.

Following the death of Johnson, the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) made the use of neck guards mandatory for their league. The NHL is also said to be in conversations regarding this. However, they have not announced anything officially yet. The players though are not taking any chances and using them without the approval of the league.

YouTube video

Oshie would become the first Capitals player to follow this trend and set an example for others. The neck guard has since been tried by several players. Though many have complained about tightening near the neck area, Oshie has claimed that he does not think about it. He would cite his family as the reason to chose to wear the protective gear.

FS Video
"I don't think it's necessary to mandate it. You can make your own choices. I made my own choice for my kids. I want to stick for them. I'm just trying to decrease the chance of injury".
T.J. Oshie in press conference after game against NY Islanders.

Two more players started wearing neckguards as precautionary measure

The death of Adam Johnson has surely shaken the hockey world. All eyes are now on the National Hockey League as to what decision will they take to avoid such injuries. There had been questions about whether their cut-resistant equipment could avoid such injuries. As the league awaits an official decision, two more players have joined T.J. Oshie in wearing neck guards as a precautionary measure.

Josh Norris and Claude Giroux
Josh Norris and Claude Giroux wearing neckguards (Pic Credit: TSN/X]

The forward duo of Ottawa Senators, Claude Giroux and Josh Norris are the new players to sport this gear. The duo claimed that there is a topic of discussion backstage regarding this. Norris also added that he used to wear one in his youth days and sees no harm in trying it again.

The decision regarding this could soon be on its way. The Pittsburgh Penguins have already mandated it’s usage for their minor league teams. This could set a tone for amateur players and even some professionals about safety while playing this sport. More updates regarding this topic will follow in the upcoming days.

In case you missed it: