Effective Friday, November 3rd, neck guard protection will be mandatory for all Western Hockey League players.

The league made the announcement on Wednesday, and they will require the neck guards to be worn for all on-ice activities.

The announcement comes after 29-year-old Adam Johnson, a player in the British Elite Ice Hockey League, died on October 28th following a fatal collision during a match.

If Clubs do not have protective equipment in time for the deadline, the neck guards will be required as soon as they’re available.