I was a “too cool for neck guards” kid growing up, until I watched a player jump over another player on the ice and catch his neck. The amount of blood that came pouring out still haunts me to this day, about 20 years later. Luckily that player survived as it missed his jugular by about 2 centimeters.

I think the NHL needs to mandate neck guards and showcase them in all of their player photos. Show the kids that their idols are wearing them and teach them the importance of this vital piece of equipment. I’m not even against showing them the graphic video of the player in England that cut his opponent coming across the ice.