First professional team makes it mandatory for players to begin wearing new piece of protective equipment
Nowadays professional hockey teams are taking extended measures to help protect the health and safety of its players. Earlier this year, the Edmonton Oilers', Evander Kane, had his wrist cut by the skate of Patrick Maroon. This was an eye opening moment for many NHL teams. This has caused many organizations to reevaluate their protective equipment policies.
This has already taken place in the American Hockey League in Utica. NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman stated on his weekly 32 Thoughts that the Utica Comets have made it mandatory that all players wear cut resistant clothing. This after New Jersey 2019 3rd round pick draft pick Graeme Clarke, was cut earlier this year. Players are now buying into this concept and good for them for doing so. There is nothing worse than seeing a player sliced by someone else's skate.
New Jersey's AHL affiliate, Utica, made cut sleeves mandatory. Forward Graeme Clarke was cut a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully not serious, and he's played well. There will be continued momentum on this issue.
This move by the Comets will likely promote other teams in the league to adopt the same rules. There already have been discussions about the NHL entertaining this idea as well. It is a small sacrifice to pay to have players protect from serious injury.
| POLL | ||
Should the NHL make it mandatory for all players to wear cut resistant fabric? | ||
| Yes, they should to keep them safe | 67 | 55.8 % |
| No, let the players choose what they want | 45 | 37.5 % |
| Each team should make their own choice | 8 | 6.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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