NHL Player Gets Skate Blade To The Neck: Pressure Is Mounting For Change Including From TJ Oshie

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Daniel Lucente
December 14, 2024 (11:58)

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Michael McCarron of the Nashville Predators gets skate blade to his neck from the Dallas Stars

Photo credit: X screenshot

Predators' Michael McCarron was the victim of a skate blade to his neck against the Stars, which has led to growing calls for change again including from T.J. Oshie.

The Nashville Predators took their game to the Dallas Stars with an aggressive forecheck and new defensive system from the start. That physical and fast-paced style gave them the edge early in their game against the Dallas Stars.

But the night, nonetheless, had a very defining moment, and that is one which has put debates about player safety and required protection of the neck during a hockey game into full throttle.

The most scary moment in the first period saw Michael McCarron avoid what could have been a career-ending injury.

In a physical tangle with Lian Bichsel, Lian Bichsel's skate rose when the two players were tangled and caught Michael McCarron near the neck and head.

He went off immediately onto the ice and into the locker room, which made teammates and fans alike wonder how bad his injury could be.

Luckily enough, he came back in during the second period showing nothing out of the ordinary, and continued along that way without incident. Minor as it turned out to be, it still was a sobering reminder of what players go through on the ice.

The close call has ignited growing calls for neck protection to become mandatory in hockey. Some players use neck guards and cut-resistant gear, but the equipment is optional in most leagues.

Notable voices include TJ Oshie, who calls for there to be more safety, citing a greater need.

Once, TJ Oshie even seemed frustrated enough to share a link to a company offering the said protection equipment via his socials, asking players and the league to get aboard the safety protocol, similar to what the AHL did.

The compulsory neck protection in all these high-speed and aggressive games will save the player from an injury caused by errant skates. More needs to be done.

Previously on HockeyLatest

The Anaheim Ducks Have Traded Their Star Defenseman To A Western Conference Rival

Robin Lehner Releases Dark And Scary Social Media Post About His Failed Life And Fans Are Panicking

Elliotte Friedman confirms the major mistake the Maple Leafs made that led to Anthony Stolarz's injury

POLL
14 DECEMBRE \| 172 ANSWERS NHL Player Gets Skate Blade To The Neck: Pressure Is Mounting For Change Including From TJ Oshie Should neck protection become mandatory in the NHL?
Yes	144	83.7 %
No	28	16.3 %
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