Skate Slashes Put Ice Hockey Player on Edge
The ice hockey community is still reeling from the tragedy that befell Adam Johnson, but another harrowing incident has shaken the sport. This time, it's 19-year-old Norwegian defender Jonas Nyhus Myhre who's had a close call. During a game against Storhamar Hockey, Myhre's chest was sliced open by an opponent's skate blade.
"It felt like a horse kicked me," Myhre told the Swedish newspaper "Aftonbladet," describing the surreal experience. Though he initially continued playing due to an adrenaline rush, the pain soon caught up with him. The blade had pierced through his protective equipment, and when he asked his teammates if he was bleeding, they confirmed his fears.
The wound required stitching, and Myhre was forced to miss the U20 World Championships in Sweden, scheduled from December 26 to January 5. Despite the alarming incident, Myhre has a remarkably positive outlook, acknowledging that it could have been much worse if the blade had hit a few centimeters lower.
This chilling incident comes just weeks after the tragic death of Adam Johnson, who was hit in the neck by a skate blade in October whilst playing for his British club, Nottingham Panthers. The 29-year-old former DEL professional from Augsburg succumbed to his injuries.
In response to these incidents, both the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced mandatory neck protection from January 1 for all players. However, supply difficulties from manufacturers have delayed the IIHF's implementation date.
Further Insights
Just like in the NFL, handling skate blades improperly can lead to severe injuries in ice hockey. While mandatory neck protection and proper handling techniques are crucial, the "towel trick" and off-ice training blades like DriBlades can further reduce the risk. Be sure to handle equipment carefully, especially when swapping dull blades or training off-ice, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the ice.
Source:
[1] Safety Measures in Ice Hockey (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.skatepower.com/safety-measures-in-ice-hockey/
[2] Ice Hockey Rules and Penalties (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nhl.com/info/rules-and-penalties
[4] DriBlades: A Safer Alternative for Dry Land Training (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.driblades.com/
