player dies from skate blade to the neck

[tincup]

Nov 16, 2023 8:56:30 GMT -6 LordKOTL said:

Nov 15, 2023 18:48:28 GMT -6 jacksalmon said:

Your last line may well be why the charge was brought.  Of course, manslaughter does not involve proving that the defendant "intended" to commit the act.  It is akin to negligence and merely requires that he was not acting as a reasonable person would under the circumstances.  The only thing I might add is that I have never seen a player at any level of games I have seen kick his skate up like this guy did due to the contact with another player.  We have all seen many thousands of checks and I'll bet very few have seen a player involved in such close contact kick his skate up as this guy did.  But, as you say, it will  be a matter for the witnesses, both fact and expert, to hash out.  

I also think this might set a precedent either way:  When playing a sport known to be dangerous, do reckless actions (or perceived--lawyerspeak intended) on the field/floor/rink justify legal punishment even though "everybody knows" this stuff can happen and you did sign a waiver to play?  I think some people irrespective of the side they fall on for this matter are going to be pissed at the outcome.

Interesting take. Even though this took place on the other side of the Atlantic I suspect anyone, or firm, looking to make a buck or name for themselves will be looking hard at this case. Hockey is considered one of the more violent sports and this puts it into the spotlight again. But to me something that appears this egregious falls outside of what could reasonably be expected to befall anybody participating in the sport. It’s more akin to using your stick as a weapon and swinging it at a head rather than the usual mayhem from hits and mutual fights. What if a pitcher throws at a batter and goes too high and beans him? Illegal hit in football? 

I think it’s going to be hard to prove malfeasance in this case. It’ll have to play out. If he’s found responsible maybe I’d be satisfied with a lifelong international ban from the sport and a chance of civil litigation from the family of Johnson, who are also victims.

[galaxytrash]

[BigT]

Those neck guards are pointless. The skate blade could still hit above and below that. I still believe they should be at least 3 inches and cover the whole neck. That’s why the shirts are much better. I make my son wear one. And there’s no arguing that!!!

[galaxytrash]

no brainer.

[galaxytrash]

[BigT]

I’m actually happy that something is being done. I know it’s a freak accident. And rarely ever happens. But this is a good step. Never ever wanna see that again. And I don’t like changing the game much. But this is just progress in equipment. It will have no effect on how players play!!!

[galaxytrash]

www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/nhl-reports-only-55-players-wearing-neck-guards-despite-no-shortage-of-close-calls