Johnson was fatally injured on October 28 after being hit in the neck by a skate during a match against the Sheffield Steelers. This incident led to his death, confirmed by a post-mortem examination as a fatal neck injury.
In response to this tragedy, the Invicta Dynamos, along with another Kent-based team, the Invicta Mustangs, have started wearing neck guards during matches and training sessions.
Sarah Parrish, the owner of the Invicta Dynamos, stated that the team adopted these safety measures immediately after the incident to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) plans to make neck guards mandatory from 2024, but the Dynamos have implemented this change with immediate effect.
The Dynamos are also reviewing their player safety processes, equipment checks, and game day procedures to enhance their readiness for potential medical emergencies.
The decision to wear neck guards and the review of safety protocols underscore the club's commitment to player safety.
The Invicta Mustangs also paid tribute to Adam Johnson by holding a minute's silence in his memory, with their head coach, Ali Rodger, expressing support for the use of neck guards and any additional protective measures that may be introduced in the future.
