Leeds ice hockey juniors support neck guard rule after Adam Johnson death

Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson was playing at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield when he was fatally injured

Young ice hockey players in West Yorkshire have welcomed new rules making it compulsory to continue wearing neck guards when they turn 18.

It comes after the death of a player whose neck was cut during a match.

Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson suffered the injury from a skate worn by Sheffield Steelers player Matt Petgrave on 28 October.

Leeds Junior Knights players said they supported rules making neck guards mandatory from 2024.

In the UK, players are currently allowed to play without neck guards once they turn 18, but the English Ice Hockey Association says it will be mandatory to wear a neck guard during "all on-ice activities".

The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), where the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers play, had earlier ruled out the move, but has since said it was working on a full response.

Leeds Junior Knights player Louisa said younger players could be influenced by seeing senior players not wearing neck guards

Leeds Junior Knights player Louisa said younger players could be influenced by senior players choosing not to wear neck guards.

"I've always felt like I would continue wearing a neck guard and a cage - it's there for safety - it's there for a reason," she said.

Sam said there was always a risk of getting injured playing ice hockey

Fellow player Sam told BBC Look North there was always a risk of getting injured.

"It's ice hockey and it's going to happen," he said.

However, he added: "Knowing I've got protection around my neck makes me feel better about it."

Fans paid tribute to Adam Johnson at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena

The incident has been described as a "freak accident" by the Panthers, with fans and mourners coming together at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham to pay tribute to Johnson.

Seth Bennett, chair of the Leeds Junior Knights, said it had been a difficult time for the ice hockey family.

"We had a number of players who were actually at the game [on the night of the incident] and they played the next night," he said.

"We've offered support to all of the players, but actually more to all of the parents because they recognise the danger of how it happened, and God forbid it happens in this rink with any of our kids involved."