Fight between players causes grave injure to linesman

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

From Toronto Star :

The Ontario Hockey Association has ruled that neck guards will become mandatory for all Ontario junior hockey officials starting next month.

The move follows the serious injury of Stratford, Ont.-area linesman Kevin Brown, whose throat was slashed by a skate blade during a Dec. 29 game in Woodstock as he broke up a fight.

"One of our mandates as the caretaker of junior hockey in Ontario is to ensure that our players and our officials are as safe as possible," said Dick Woods, a spokesman for the association, which governs junior hockey in the province.

Neck guards have been mandatory for players since the start of the 2008-09 season.

Officials are encouraged to wear neck guards until Feb. 1.

...

[wings1110 184]

well add that to the long list of reasons why they shouldnt break up fights!

[dropkickshanahans 463]

So what's considered a neck guard? Is it just a piece of kevlar to put around their necks?

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

Updates:

Oxford Review

Stratford Gazette

This last one was included as part of the CBC's "Hockey Day in Canada" last Saturday from Stratford. In the footage they showed of the event, Mr. Brown was confined to a wheelchair.

[yzefan 2]

Ha .. i live in stratford... was a the CBC game ... was good to see him there.. hope he recovers fully..prayers!!

[HockeyTownHouligan 57]

flooky thing for sure hope he makes a full recovery, i don't think this gives a reason for hockey haters to bash the sport because it is such a flooky deal.

[Konnan511 1,736]

flooky thing for sure hope he makes a full recovery, i don't think this gives a reason for hockey haters to bash the sport because it is such a flooky deal.

It just re-affirms that there should be fines or other consequences for "wrestling/throwing" your opponent to the ice. That's where 99% of the danger comes in.