In Manalapan, Florida, Tom Fitzgerald and his wife Kerry were watching their son Casey’s American Hockey League game on December 28th at a restaurant bar. They witnessed an alarming moment as Casey came out of the corner with his hand on the right side of his neck, indicating he had been cut by a skate blade. Trainers quickly tended to him, and he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. Despite the scare, Casey reassured his parents during a call from the ambulance that he was going to be okay.
Tom Fitzgerald, who is the general manager of the New Jersey Devils, shared his harrowing experience and emphasized the importance of player safety, especially regarding neck protection. He urged players to prioritize their well-being and consider the potential impact on their families. This plea was made in light of the tragic death of player Adam Johnson due to a similar incident involving a skate cut to the neck.
The issue of mandating cut-resistant equipment, including neck guards, has gained momentum within the hockey community. While such protective gear is mandatory in youth and minor leagues in the U.S. and Canada, it is not required at the NHL level. There have been ongoing discussions between the league and the Players’ Association on this matter, with an emphasis on educating players about the available safety options.
The push for improved player safety is underscored by incidents like Erik Karlsson’s torn Achilles tendon and Johnson’s fatal injury. The development of more than 30 approved neck guards reflects a growing awareness of the importance of protective equipment in preventing serious injuries. NHL officials are encouraging players to explore the wide range of protective gear now available, emphasizing comfort and breathability as key factors.
As the league continues to prioritize player safety, the conversations around implementing mandatory protective equipment, such as neck guards, are ongoing. The collaborative efforts of both the league and the Players’ Association aim to ensure that players have the necessary information to make informed choices about their safety gear.
The video montage included clips of various players, with the last one featuring Casey Fitzgerald and images of his neck injury that required 25 stitches. Tom Fitzgerald shared that the before-and-after shots caught people’s attention and highlighted how fortunate Casey was. Reflecting on the incident, Tom became emotional, emphasizing their luck.
Despite their previous choice not to wear visors while playing, Fitzgerald and Grier now advocate for cut-resistant gear among their teams. They acknowledged the perception of being hypocritical but are now promoting the importance of such protective equipment.
Efforts are underway to educate players on skate cut protection, including a mandatory video presentation during training camp where options are discussed. While players value autonomy in their decisions, there is a push to integrate cut-resistant materials into hockey gear as standard as helmets and shin guards.
Pasma, discussing the potential for widespread adoption of such gear, noted that younger players entering the NHL are already accustomed to wearing it. For the Fitzgerald family, promoting safety has been a long-standing practice, with Tom ensuring his sons wore Kevlar socks from a young age. While he cannot mandate this with the Devils, Tom hopes Casey’s experience will further emphasize the importance of neck protection.
Expressing concern for players’ long-term well-being, Fitzgerald emphasized the need to consider the bigger picture beyond just their current careers. Reflecting on the impact on parents, he suggested that players might reconsider their choices if they thought about their loved ones watching in distress.
