Bauer Kevlar neck guard (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

NECK GUARDS

Blazers to begin wearing Kevlar neck guards Friday versus Red Deer

Nov 3, 2023 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Born out of the tragic death of former NHL player Adam Johnson in England last week, the Western Hockey League is mandating neck guards for all players.

“I think it’s important moving forward that we are wearing neck guards, show our support, but keep everybody safe around the world. Very glad we are going to be wearing neck guards now,” said Blazers forward Connor Levis.

Equipment manager Toledo Robinson noted technology has come a long way in the neck guard world, with Blazers players set to wear Kevlar Friday night (Nov. 3).

“These are the most comfortable and at the same time I feel the most protection you can get. The players don’t have to adjust it because it’s so flexible. This is what we are going with. It’s called the Bauer Premium. [Thursday] in practice seemed to be pretty good, wasn’t any issues,” added Robinson.

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The team was able to quickly secure 30 guards and wore them Thursday at practice with the players reporting no issues with the new gear. Head Coach Shaun Clouston believes the guard will be mandated at the highest level soon.

“It’s a layer of protection that just makes it a lot safer for the players in case of a freak situation like the one that happened,” said Clouston.

For the players, who grew up wearing neck guards throughout their minor hockey days, it’s not an unfamiliar experience.

“I don’t think it’s going to be much of a change at all,” said Levis. “I think everybody in the room is pretty used to wearing a neck guard. We got to wear them yesterday in practice and they didn’t bother anybody. I think it’s going to be important that we wear them coming up in the future and I think it’s going to be a pretty easy change.”

Blazers will debut their new Bauer neck guards tonight versus the Red Deer Rebels at Sandman Centre.