A Scary Incident

In a harrowing turn of events, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald found himself facing a parent’s worst nightmare during his son Casey’s AHL game with the Hartford Wolfpack. Streaming the game at a restaurant on December 28, 2024, Fitzgerald watched in shock as Casey went into a corner, quickly gesturing to his neck after the play.

The Aftermath

What began as minor concern escalated when a Providence player alerted Casey that he had sustained a significant cut from a skate blade. Fitzgerald recalled, “They rushed him right into the locker room. All we got was, ‘The bleeding is under control and he’s on his way to the hospital.’” Fortunately, after receiving 25 stitches, Casey made a rapid recovery and returned to the ice with added protective gear.

Impact on Safety Discussions

This frightening experience has driven Fitzgerald to advocate for enhanced safety measures in hockey. At the NHL’s annual GM meetings, Fitzgerald spoke about Casey’s ordeal, aiming to emphasize the necessity of protective equipment among players. The conversation has gained urgency in the wake of former NHL player Adam Johnson’s tragic death due to a skate cut in late 2023.

Advocacy for Protective Gear

During his presentation, Fitzgerald’s emotions were palpable. He expressed his desire for players to adopt a broader perspective on safety. “We’re very lucky,” he reflected, noting that many players may not fully appreciate the potential dangers they face. “If they ever thought of their parents watching what we watched, they’d think differently.”

Current Equipment Trends

While the AHL mandates certain protective gear, such as socks and wrist guards, these remain optional in the NHL. Fitzgerald highlighted that most players now wear protective socks, but neck and wrist guards have lower adoption rates, largely due to resistance from players resistant to altering their routines.

Implementing Change

Addressing the need for innovation, Fitzgerald suggested considering different protective options like improved chin guards. Suggestions for mandatory usage of neck guards at youth levels were put forth by other GMs, aiming to cultivate a culture of safety from the onset of an athlete’s career.

Community Response

GM Kevin Cheveldayoff conveyed that seeing incidents like Fitzgerald’s firsthand deepens the emotional impact, promoting a strong message about learning from such close calls. Tampa Bay’s GM Julien BriseBois, a father of hockey players, echoed the sentiment, underlining the responsibility adults have to ensure players are equipped to protect themselves.

Forward Movement

Fitzgerald remains committed to making a difference through his involvement in the NHL’s cut-resistant committee. His advocacy underlines a growing consensus among hockey executives about the importance of prioritizing players’ health. “Tell the players you don’t want your parents potentially going through something like this,” he urged, reminding everyone of the crucial importance of safety in professional sports.