Yesterday, a player for the Florida Panthers, Richard Zednik, suffered a serious neck injury in an NHL hockey game with Buffalo.  Zednik’s carotid artery was lacerated when he was hit by one of his own teammate’s skate blade during the game. Zednik skated off the ice under his own power and underwent immediate surgery. He is currently in stable condition at Buffalo’s General Hospital.

Zednik’s injury came 19 years after former Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk almost died when his jugular vein was cut by a skate blade in a goal-mouth collision between St. Louis winger Steve Tuttle and Buffalo defenseman Uwe Krupp.

The quick actions of the Sabres’ team trainer saved Malarchuk’s life.

Skate blades are very sharp.  Ice-level collisions happen.  The neck can be very vulnerable. Protection is available!

** EVERY YOUTH HOCKEY PLAYER SHOULD WEAR A NECKGUARD.

Please, buy your player a neckguard.  Coaches:  encourage your parents/players to wear one.  Better yet, make it mandatory on your team.

Let’s not wait until a serious injury occurs.  Make it happen NOW.  In my opinion, neckguards should be mandatory for all players.

Please pass the word along to fellow parents, coaches, administrators and players!

Thanks!