AHL officially announces league-wide mandate for new safety equipment

Adam Johnson lost his life due to an on-ice incident, where he was cut in the neck by a skate blade after his opponent took an awkward fall.

Since then players have took it upon themselves to wear a neck guard for protection but it was never made mandatory by any major leagues, at least until today.

The American Hockey League (AHL), the National Hockey League's (NHL) minor hockey development league, has now officially made it mandatory for players and on-ice officials to wear neck guards during games.

The AHL released this decision was made through an unanimous vote by the Board of Governors.

Definitely a huge step in the right direction, as there is so many young lives at risk for something that can be avoided with this mandate.

The last thing the hockey community wants to do is mourn the life of another young player due to a freak accident. But hopefully now other leagues will follow suit.