A look at the Rockets' new neck guards

In the wake of the on ice tragedy that took the life of hockey player Adam Johnson, the Western Hockey League (WHL) has announced neck guards will be mandatory moving forward.

Johnson, who was 29, died in the UK after he sustained a laceration from another player's skate during a game last week.

In a news release, the league said all players will have to wear the neck guards effective Friday November 3rd. They must be worn for games and practices.

The Kelowna Rockets tested theirs out at practice on Thursday, to get adjusted to them before their upcoming games.

“They’re made of Kevlar. It’s a cut resistant material, " Kelowna Rockets equipment manager Tim Webster told RocketFAN.ca’s Regan Bartel. "We’ve been using it in our hockey socks for the last few seasons and its reduced injuries in that area and we think it’ll do the same here."

Webber added there might be a slight adjustment period for those who haven't worn them since minor hockey, but for the newer players who played with them last year, it should be a seamless transition.

The Rockets host Victoria Friday, Nov.3.

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