The neck protection requirement is a controversial topic in Swedish ice hockey and a dozen players have been fined during the current SHL season for having used the protection incorrectly.

The compulsion was introduced as early as 1995 when Mora's Bengt Åkerblom got a skate over his neck and died, 28 years old.

But due to the fact that the protection was not used at all or that players made the home construction that sits more comfortably but does not protect, they have been forced to tighten.

"Just follow the rules"

A first offense gives a fine of SEK 5,000, if you get caught again, the sum is doubled to 10,000. That is the ceiling.

In the JVM premiere against the Czech Republic, which Sweden won 7-1, it was despite this that several Swedish players chose to play without neck protection.

According to the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation, there is no requirement to use the protection.

- We only follow the rules that have been set up.

SHL is strict on that and then it is important to respect and I fully understand that.

So there is probably nothing more to it, says Juniorkronorna's team captain Philip Broberg.

"Is my opinion"

Federation captain Joel Rönnmark thinks that there is reason to use the neck protection.

- There is no rule so I have not reflected on what it looks like.

I think you should have a neck guard, that's my personal opinion.

It is an important protection.

But it is individual and as long as you do not break any rules like that, he says.

CLIP: Söderblom's art goal against the Czech Republic (26 Dec 2020)

Javascript is disabled

Javascript must be turned on to play video

Read more about browser support

The browser is not supported

SVT does not support playback in your browser.

We therefore recommend that you switch to another browser.

Read more about browser support

Elmer Söderblom with the match's most delicious goal Photo: SVT