Hockey has always been my favorite sport, and it holds a special place in the hearts of my family and extended family. While we embrace the thrilling nature of this game, it's heartbreaking and unacceptable to witness incidents on the ice that result in severe injuries, or even the loss of life. Hockey is inherently a rough sport, but certain precautions can prevent tragic events that put players' lives at risk.

We have already seen cases, like that of Clint Malarchuk in 1989 and more recently Adam Johnson in 2023, where skate blades made direct contact with players' throats. Clint was fortunate enough to survive, but Adam tragically lost his life. Even one instance of such a harrowing accident is too many, yet we now find ourselves mourning another victim. These events underline the urgent need for change in the sport that we love so dearly.

Neck protection can be a lifesaving measure for all players, from seasoned professionals to children just learning to navigate the ice in their first game. Implementing mandatory neck guards will ensure that the thrill of hockey does not come at the cost of players' safety. This is an actionable and necessary step that all leagues, regardless of their size, should take to protect their athletes.

It's time to urge every hockey league worldwide to mandate the use of neck protection for their players. Ensuring their safety should be a universal priority; no family should have to endure the loss of a loved one from a preventable accident.

For the love of hockey and the safety of its players, sign this petition to demand that protective measures are taken to safeguard everyone involved in the game.