Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie became the first National Hockey League (NHL) player to wear a neck brace since the tragic death of Adam Johnson during a game.
He did it during Thursday night’s game against the New York Islanders.
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“I hope it shows the kids that it really doesn’t distract from their play. It is very comfortable. […] I didn’t even notice it after one performance,” Oshie said during the press scrum following his team’s 3-0 loss.
“It’s important that NHL people know it’s available,” he also said.
However, the 36-year veteran doesn’t believe the Bettman Circuit should require all players to wear this extra protection.
“I don’t know if it’s necessary to make it mandatory. You can make your own decisions. I have made my choice for my children. I want to be there for them for a long time and that reduces the risk of injury.”
Johnson, a former Pittsburgh Penguins player, died last weekend as a result of a serious skating injury to his neck during a game between the Nottingham Panthers and the Sheffield Steelers, England.