Image: GEPA pictures/Edgar Eisner
The Linz Black Wings were guests yesterday after the national team break in the ICE Hockey League Pustertal (4:1 for the Black Wings), and on Sunday they will host the Vienna Capitals (5.30 p.m.). Someone who narrowly escaped disaster against the South Tyroleans on September 24th was among the spectators yesterday.
Stefan Gaffal, who was hit in the neck by a teammate’s shot and suffered a fracture in the head area, is already working on his comeback. For now in the weight room, but starting next week on the ice again. On Thursday, the league’s club representatives agreed on a decision that could have prevented Gaffal’s injury.
At a meeting, the clubs unanimously agreed on the general wearing of neck protection for all players, which is currently only mandatory for junior players. As the league announced, the date of mandatory deployment cannot be determined until later due to factors such as timely availability. The league also strongly recommended wearing cut-resistant underwear.
The measure was passed after the accidental death of American Adam Johnson. The 29-year-old was seriously injured in the neck by another player’s skate blade during a game between his Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers in the English league at the end of October. Johnson was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries. The game in front of 8,000 horrified spectators was abandoned.
The approach varies internationally. Mandatory neck and neck protection will be mandatory in the German Ice Hockey League from January 1, 2024, and there will also be changes for the 2024 World Cup. The situation is different in the world’s best ice hockey league, the National Hockey League. Neck protection is not mandatory there, and not even a half visor is mandatory.
Rossi’s guest appearance in Sweden
The NHL’s promotional guest game in ice hockey-crazy Stockholm is intended to mark a turnaround in what has so far been a disappointing season for the Minnesota Wild. Minnesota has come to the Global Series with three defeats in a row and seven defeats from the last nine games and wants to find its way out of the slump against the Ottawa Senators today (5 p.m.) and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday (2 p.m. / both live on Sky). . Vorarlberg’s Marco Rossi will probably storm in the top line. The 22-year-old, who is still considered a rookie, has five goals and three assists, making him the third-best goalscorer among newcomers.
- You can find a new podcast interview with Wings national team player Niklas Würschl at nachrichten.at/podcasts
more from Black Wings
Niklas Würschl: “In Linz I can finally develop my potential”
United in tragedy, in a class of their own in a duel
Steel Wings celebrated a 6-1 victory over Cortina
Black Wings captain Brian Lebler won the game and league record
: Nachrichten
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
