The fear of skate cuts is a constant presence in the mind of Chicago Blackhawks center Jason Dickinson. Whether it’s a player getting checked into the bench, a battle in the corner, or simply hopping over the boards for a shift change, the potential for a dangerous skate cut is always on his mind. Dickinson has had his own close calls with skate cuts, including a near-miss to the collarbone and a scary incident involving a teammate’s eye.
Despite the inherent risks, Dickinson has struggled to embrace cut-resistant technology. He has tried wearing protective gear around the neck, wrists, and Achilles tendons, but found it uncomfortable and restrictive. As a player who doesn’t even wear a shirt during games due to overheating, adding extra layers of protection was a challenge for him.
The tragic death of former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Adam Johnson, who was killed by a skate cut during a game in Britain, prompted a discussion about the need for better protection in hockey. While lower levels of hockey have implemented mandatory neck protection rules, the NHL has been slow to follow suit. Most NHL players still opt not to wear neck guards, citing comfort, appearance, and routine as reasons for their choice.
However, there has been progress in other leagues. USA Hockey, the International Ice Hockey Federation, and the American Hockey League have all made neck protection mandatory for players at various levels. This has led to an increase in demand for cut-resistant equipment, with manufacturers working to develop high-quality, affordable options.
One company making strides in this area is Warroad, founded by Capitals winger T.J. Oshie. Warroad offers a shirt with built-in neck and wrist protection, designed to be more comfortable and effective than traditional neck guards. While Oshie has embraced the shirt, he is one of the few NHL players currently using it.
The slow adoption of protective gear in the NHL is not surprising to Oshie, who acknowledges the superstitions and preferences of hockey players when it comes to their equipment. Change is likely to come gradually, as younger players who have grown up with mandatory protection bring it to the NHL.
Despite the challenges, there is reason for optimism that the hockey community is moving towards increased safety standards. Dr. Mike Stuart, chief medical officer for USA Hockey, believes that collaboration between all stakeholders is key to developing effective, comfortable, and affordable protective gear. While the road to widespread adoption may be long, the importance of player safety cannot be ignored.
Overall, the conversation about skate cut protection in hockey continues to evolve, with a focus on balancing safety with player comfort and performance. As the industry works towards better solutions, the hope is that all players will eventually have access to high-quality protective gear to prevent catastrophic injuries on the ice.
