Neck guards will be mandatory for Western Hockey League players starting Friday, or as soon as teams can get the protective equipment.
The change to the league's protective equipment policy comes after hockey player Adam Johnson died after his neck was cut by an opponent's skate blade during a game in England on Saturday.
The WHL is a major junior hockey league based in Western Canada and the northwestern U.S. and has teams in several provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and B.C.
In a statement, the league said that players will be required to wear neck guard equipment at all times while participating in on-ice activities, including games and practices.
Neck guards are already mandatory in the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — the other two major junior leagues under the Canadian Hockey League umbrella.
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