Four Winnipeg Jets players practise with neck guards in wake of Adam Johnson's death
LAS VEGAS -
Winnipeg Jets forwards Vladislav Namestnikov, Rasmus Kupari, Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers wore neck guards during practice on Wednesday in the wake of former NHL player Adam Johnson's tragic death.
Johnson, a 29-year-old from Minnesota, died in hospital after being cut in the neck by the skate blade of an opponent during a game Saturday night in the Elite Ice Hockey League in England.
The Jets posted pictures of all four players wearing neck protection to X platform, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday afternoon.
Johnson's death has prompted increased discussions in the hockey world about the use of neck guards, something that is not mandated in the NHL.
Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh touched base Sunday in the immediate aftermath of Johnson's death to set up further talks between the league and union about the skate blade safety issue.
The NHL cannot impose equipment changes without the agreement of the players association.
The Western Hockey League announced Wednesday it was making it a requirement. Neck guards are already mandatory in the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League -- the other two major junior leagues under the Canadian Hockey League umbrella.
Several American Hockey League players have also worn neck guards in the days since Johnson's death.
The AHL and East Coast Hockey League affiliates of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the organization Johnson once played for, mandated neck guards for players.
The Jets have several players on their roster who were former teammates of Johnson.
"Our hearts go out to the Johnson family," said Jets captain Adam Lowry. "I've always had teammates who were teammates of his. It's heartbreaking news, so we'd really like to send our thoughts and prayers to their whole family."
Winnipeg's next game is on Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.
-- With files from The Associated Press
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 1, 2023.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says Canada becoming 51st U.S. state 'a great idea'
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is taking aim at Canada once more, saying it would be 'a great idea' to make it America's ‘51st state.'
After scamming their victims, some con artists go on to scam our courts with impunity
Convicts, including fraudsters, are skipping out on their court-ordered payments to their victims to the tune of tens of millions of dollars across the country, according to figures obtained by CTV W5.
The barriers and benefits as a global bank looks to branch out in Canada
It's not every day, or even every decade, that a big foreign bank decides to have a go at Canada's retail banking market. But Spain's Banco Santander is poised to be among the few that have tried as it nears the all-clear to expand in Canada.
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
Fall sitting bookended by Liberal byelection losses ends with Trudeau government in tumult
The House of Commons adjourned on Tuesday, bringing an end to an unstable fall sitting that has been bookended by Liberal byelection losses. The conclusion of the fall sitting comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government is in turmoil.
Nissan, Honda confirm talks on closer collaboration but say there's been no decision on a merger
Japanese automakers Nissan Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. confirmed Wednesday that they are discussing closer collaboration but denied reports they have decided on a merger.
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
B.C. teacher disciplined for refusing to let student use bathroom
A teacher who refused to let a student use the bathroom in a B.C. school has been disciplined by the province's professional regulator.
Police chief says motive for Wisconsin school shooting was a 'combination of factors'
Investigators on Tuesday are focused on trying to determine a motive in a Wisconsin school shooting that left a teacher and a student dead and two other children in critical condition.
Regina
-
Conflict of Interest Commissioner recommends reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill
Saskatchewan's Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) is recommending a reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill after finding he broke legislative rules when a company tied to his family participated in government contracts.
-
Chappell Roan 'looking at venues' for possible Sask. show
American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is expressing some interest towards performing in Saskatchewan – after shouting out the province in a yet to be released song.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Saskatoon
-
First Nation leaders push to close 'loophole' laws after judge stays fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) wants to change the Criminal Code of Canada to prioritize victims that are children.
-
'She was fiercely competitive': Saskatoon historic Olympic medal winner honoured
One of Saskatoon’s most famous Olympians finally gets her official recognition — and it’s been almost a century in the making.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Edmonton
-
Police officer hurt, 2 arrested after gun fight reported at Stantec Tower
A police officer and two men were taken to hospital on Tuesday after an arrest at Stantec Tower.
-
Caught on camera: Porch pirate steals dirty diapers from Edmonton step
A would-be thief got away with a bag of dirty diapers after snagging what they thought was a package off an Edmonton porch.
-
Lots of snow and some serious cold coming to Edmonton region Wednesday
Prepare for a significant dump of heavy snow Wednesday.
Calgary
-
Calgary man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2022 shootings
A Calgary man was sentenced to 16 years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with two 2022 shootings.
-
'Condensed timeline' puts pressure on Calgary council to approve Green Line project
With timelines tightening, Calgary city council is asking for an urgent meeting with the Alberta government to discuss a reworked plan to build a multibillion-dollar light-rail-transit line connecting the city's southeast to downtown.
-
Sexual assault, breach of trust charges laid against former Calgary police officer
Vancouver police say Sgt. Matthew Ball and Const. Ryan Johnston, both of the Central Saanich Police, formed separate "intimate" and "inappropriate" relationships with a woman in her mid-20s they met while on duty.
Toronto
-
Restaurants who charge tax during holiday break could get investigated by CRA: industry expert
Restaurants who fail to honour the holiday tax break could be investigated by the Canada Revenue Tax Agency, according to the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association.
-
Toronto recreational soccer team calls on league to change gender inclusion policy
A recreational soccer team in Toronto says controversy surrounding its league's gender policy, which temporarily excluded non-binary players from women's teams, has sparked a bigger conversation about accessibility and support for LGBTQ+ athletes.
-
Two men charged in death of Markham real estate agent as search continues for murder suspect
Two people have been charged in connection with the disappearance and death of a Markham real estate agent whose remains were found in Parry Sound over the summer.
Ottawa
-
Inquest jury deems Abdirahman Abdi's death after arrest a homicide, makes recommendations
The jury at a coroner's inquest deemed the 2016 death of an Ottawa man after his violent arrest a homicide, as it made more than 50 recommendations Tuesday aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.
-
Villa Marconi, board refute union allegations about hygiene care
The chair of the board of directors at Villa Marconi, a long-term care facility on Baseline Road, says allegations around supply shortages leading to neglect of resident hygiene are "all false."
-
Ottawa Public Health asking customers of south Ottawa Tim Hortons to monitor for hep A symptoms
Ottawa Public Health is warning residents about a possible risk of exposure to hepatitis A at a local Tim Hortons in the city's south end.
Montreal
-
Quebec man pleads guilty to spreading hate speech about Jews, trying to make 3D-printed guns
A Montreal-area man has pleaded guilty to attempting to manufacture multiple firearms with a 3D printer, including an AR-15, and spreading hate speech about the Jewish community.
-
Flames target place of worship on Montreal's West Island
A place of worship on Montreal's West Island was the target of an alleged arson attack.
-
69-year-old woman dies after being struck by city bus in Montreal North
Montreal police (SPVM) have confirmed that a pedestian has died after a collision with an STM bus in the Montreal North borough on Tuesday evening.
Atlantic
-
Snow forecast to fall in parts of the Maritimes this week
As rainy and gusty weather clears the Maritimes Tuesday, a round of snow and rain is lined up for late week.
-
Sex-ed group deemed 'inappropriate' by Tory government returns to N.B. schools
A sexual-education group whose presentations were deemed "clearly inappropriate" by the previous New Brunswick Progressive Conservative government has been cleared to return to the province's schools.
-
N.B.'s Horizon Health Network says they've 'planned far more diligently' for holiday season
With both sick and holiday seasons here, New Brunswick's Horizon Health Network say it's prepared heading into the holidays with proactive steps being taken.
Vancouver
-
City staff recommend demolition for derelict vacant building in downtown Vancouver
The City of Vancouver’s chief building official has deemed a 176-room hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown too derelict and poorly maintained to remain standing.
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
'It's another Hail Mary pass by the Trudeau government': Experts and B.C. businesses react as GST holiday begins
B.C. businesses have been left scrambling to make the federal government's decision to slash GST for the holidays a reality.
Vancouver Island
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
Langford council votes unanimously in favor of purchasing Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
Langford city council has voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre for the price of $35 million. The facility's largest tenant is the YMCA/YWCA, which operates the municipality's only public pool.
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has temporarily shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community due to an escalating standoff with the operator of a so-called "squatter" vessel.
Kelowna
-
B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict
A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying.
-
Paramedic threatened at knifepoint inside Kelowna ambulance station, union says
The union representing ambulance paramedics in B.C. is calling on the province to beef up security after they say a knife-wielding woman attacked a worker.
-
Car stolen, fleeing suspect found hiding in basement in Kelowna, B.C.
Mounties have arrested a suspect who allegedly stole a car in Kelowna, B.C., before fleeing on foot and hiding from police in the basement of a home.
N.L.
-
After fanfare of Churchill Falls deal, Newfoundland urged to learn its dam lessons
Energy observers in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the provincial government to take a sober second look at a massive tentative deal announced last week with Quebec that promises to deliver hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue to the Atlantic province.
-
Backhoe used to tear the front off Newfoundland bank, four facing charges: RCMP
Four people in eastern Newfoundland are facing charges after a stolen backhoe was used to tear the front off the RBC bank in Holyrood.
-
'Breaking of gridlock' between Quebec, N.L. is the envy of former premiers
Former Newfoundland and Labrador premiers say a draft energy agreement signed Thursday with Quebec marks a historic break in a long-standing political standoff.
Northern Ontario
-
Two in northern Ont. charged with manslaughter in death of a child
Two people have been charged with manslaughter and other offences in connection with the death of a seven-year-old two years ago in Hearst, Ont.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
-
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have been harassed by local councillor
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have had enough of what they call unfair public scrutiny from a local municipal councillor.
Barrie
-
Highway 93 3-vehicle crash closes roads
Early-morning collision has closed roads in the Highway 93 at Highway 400 area.
-
'We've been scammed,' Customers allege floating home company owner left them in limbo after payment
Several customers of a floating home company say their dream of living on the water has turned into a financial and emotional nightmare.
-
New taser technology put to the test as Barrie police undergo training
Police officers in Barrie participated in a jolting experience on Monday as they voluntarily felt the effects of a new conducted energy weapon during an intensive training session.
Kitchener
-
Victim of Cambridge, Ont. dog attack claims same animal is up for adoption without disclosure
A Cambridge, Ont. woman who was involved in a vicious dog attack this summer claims one of the dogs involved is now up for adoption.
-
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
-
Cambridge kitchen fire results in serious burn injuries
One person was taken to hospital with serious burns after a fire Tuesday at a Cambridge apartment complex.
London
-
Vehicle fire next to London building
Officials say a transport tractor is on fire in the area of 295 Waterloo St. "with exposures."
-
Power restored, gas leak isolated after vehicle strikes building in London
Ridout Street north was shut down between Dufferin and Queens and east of Fullerton
-
Fatal crash near Meaford, police investigating
OPP, EMS and the Intertownship Fire Department responded to the area around 9:30 p.m
