Martin St-Louis' chilling statement about injuries attributed to the lack of protection

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David St-Jean
November 2, 2023 (7:09 PM)

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Since the unfortunate tragedy that struck the hockey world last weekend, hockey players all over the planet are currently reflecting on the use of neck guards and other pieces of equipment that could save their lives.

It must be said that it is a topic that's making everyone think deeply, and it's sad that it took a death for things to change. The EIHA (English Ice Hockey Association) and the WHL have made neck guards mandatory, and many AHL players are now wearing them. In the NHL, Rasmus Dahlin has also started wearing one.

When asked about the subject, Martin St-Louis shared an anecdote from his time as a player when he played without a visor. He still has poor vision in one eye to this day.

"When I was younger, I took a puck in the eye. To this day, my left eye is still not the same as my right eye. I watch the game today and wonder how I could have played without a visor."

- Martin St-Louis

Many players seem open to trying neck guards, but from what's being said on the ice, it would likely require a grandfather clause, meaning that new players entering the NHL would be required to wear them, while established players would not.

In any case, leagues will follow suit one after the other, as the WHL has done, and it will become normal to wear them.

As for St-Louis, he remembers a tragedy that occurred in January 2022 in Connecticut. It's worth noting that his family lives in the region. A 15-year-old boy died from a throat cut in a game involving two high schools, one of which was his youngest son's. The coach is still shaken by the incident.