Jets players try neck guards in practice

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This article was published 01/11/2023 (704 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LAS VEGAS — The biggest news out of Wednesday’s Winnipeg Jets practice here in Sin City wasn’t a lineup change, injury update or systemic tweak.

Rather, it was what was around the neck of four players — Nikolaj Ehlers, Cole Perfetti, Vladislav Namestnikov and Rasmus Kupari — who have added a layer of protection in the wake of the death last weekend of Adam Johnson, whose throat was slashed by an opponent’s skate during a pro game in England.

“I think everybody knows why,” Perfetti said of sporting the neck guard during the on-ice workout at T-Mobile Arena.

“Obviously a tragic accident, and a couple guys on the team that are pretty close so it kind of hits home. It’s sad, it’s awful. I think a couple guys tried it out today, wanted to see what it felt like having not used one in a bit. That sparked the interest in trying one. It’s super sad and a terrible thing to happen, so try to prevent it.”

Johnson was a college hockey teammate of Jets defenceman Neal Pionk and forwards Alex Iafallo and Dominic Toninato, and also played in the AHL with Kupari and injured Winnipeg forward Gabe Vilardi.

“You always wear it growing up and then you get to the pro level, it’s kind of not required. Guys decided to try it out today and I think that’s a good thing,” said Namestnikov.

“So I’ll keep trying it and hopefully get used to it and wear it.”

The NHL and NHLPA are now examining the issue further, with the potential it could eventually be mandated the way helmets and visors came to be.

“There are some new things on the market, too, and the trainers are trying to find some different looks for these guys,” said associate coach Scott Arniel.

“Some guys wanted to get into them today and see what they feel like, and I’m sure maybe a few more guys are looking to do it too. Obviously there is nothing mandatory right now from the league, but there are some guys that are certainly concerned about it. Just have to get a feel for it.”

Namestnikov and Perfetti said it will take a bit of getting used to.

“It definitely felt warm. It felt weird having something coming up here. You always usually have it so loose there and so free,” said Perfetti.

“It’s definitely hotter, it’s definitely an awkward feeling, it’s something you have to get used to. I don’t know if it looks the best, but at the end of the day just trying to be safe. That’s the end goal.”

Speaking of cranking up the temperature, the reigning Stanley Cup champions are off to a blistering start and showing no signs of a hangover. Winnipeg will have its hands full as they begin a three-game road trip, which includes stops in Arizona (Saturday afternoon) and St. Louis (Tuesday night).

“They’re the Stanley Cup champs and they’re not missing a beat. They’re 9-0-1 and they’re playing hard. They’re playing like the experienced team they are,” said Arniel.

Winnipeg has lost five straight to Vegas dating back to last spring. After winning the first game of their best-of-seven opening round series, the Golden Knights won the next four. Vegas then beat the Jets 5-3 last month at Canada Life Centre.

“We were in a 3-3 game against them and gave up a power play goal with four minutes to go,” Arniel said of that night.

“We have to have that same effort, we have to make sure we know when their top lines are on the ice and know we have to manage the puck real well against those guys. If we’re going to get our chances in the offensive zone, we’re going to have to get to the blue paint, we’re going to have to get around — they do a pretty good job of boxing out, they have some big defencemen that don’t like to let you get near the net. We’re going to have to get inside, force them to keep us away from those second and third chances.”

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Winnipeg will be looking to get its power power play going, as they are stuck in an 0-for-13 rut over the past four games.

“We’ve been really emphasizing how important special teams are. I think it’s going to play a big role (Thursday) night,” said Perfetti.

“We have a lot to be happy about and feel good about going into this game — not only with how we played the last couple games, but also how we played against Vegas the first time. There is a lot to be excited about and learn from our mistakes in the first game and move forward. I think we’re ready.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg

Mike McIntyre
Reporter

Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike.

Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.