Hockey Player Got His Neck Sliced
It was a tragedy that shook the hockey world to its core. On March 22nd, 2018, Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey was playing in a game against the Anaheim Ducks. In the third period, Morrissey went for a check on Ducks forward Corey Perry. The hit was clean, but Perry's skate blade came up and sliced Morrissey's neck.
The Immediate Aftermath
Morrissey immediately went down on the ice, holding his neck. The arena fell silent as medical personnel rushed to his aid. Morrissey was bleeding heavily from his neck, and it was clear that this was a serious injury.
The game was eventually suspended, and Morrissey was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He underwent emergency surgery to repair his neck and spent several days in the hospital recovering.
The Road to Recovery
Morrissey's injury was a scary reminder of the dangers of playing hockey. However, he was fortunate in that the skate blade missed his carotid artery and other major blood vessels. He was able to make a full recovery and return to the ice just a few weeks later.
Despite the scary incident, Morrissey did not change his playing style. He continued to play physical and aggressive, showing no fear of getting hurt again. He finished the season strong and helped lead the Jets to the Western Conference Final.
The Importance of Safety Equipment
Morrissey's injury was a stark reminder of the importance of safety equipment in hockey. While neck guards are not mandatory in the NHL, many players choose to wear them. In fact, Morrissey himself had been wearing a neck guard prior to the incident.
Neck guards help protect players from serious neck and throat injuries by providing a barrier between the neck and sharp objects, such as skate blades. They are made of materials such as Kevlar or ballistic nylon, which are lightweight but incredibly strong.
Many players also wear other types of protective equipment, such as helmets, face shields, and padded clothing. These items can help prevent concussions, facial injuries, and other serious injuries that can occur during the fast-paced, physical game of hockey.
The Future of Hockey Safety
The NHL and other hockey leagues are always looking for ways to improve player safety. In recent years, there have been a number of rule changes aimed at reducing head injuries and other dangerous plays. For example, players are no longer allowed to make contact with an opponent's head, and hits from behind are strictly penalized.
In addition to rule changes, there is also a growing emphasis on player education and injury prevention. Many teams have dedicated staff members who work with players to ensure that they are using the proper techniques and equipment to stay safe on the ice.
Conclusion
The injury suffered by Josh Morrissey was a scary reminder of the dangers of playing hockey. However, it also highlighted the importance of safety equipment and injury prevention in the sport. As the NHL and other hockey leagues continue to evolve and adapt, player safety will remain a top priority.