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Canadian Boy Dies After Being Struck in Neck by Hockey Puck

by VOA News

   An 11-year-old Canadian boy struck in the neck this week by a hockey
   puck during practice has died.

   "We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends
   and loved ones," the city of Saint Eustache, Quebec, said in a
   statement Friday.

   The boy's identity has not been disclosed.

   The incident happened Tuesday at the Complexe Walter-Buswell.

   While Hockey Canada requires neck guards for its approved programs, the
   guards do not always provide enough protection.

   Trent McCleary, a former Montreal Canadiens player, saw the end of his
   professional career when a puck struck his throat in 2009,

   He told Victoria News that a neck guard would not have offered him any
   protection from the high-velocity slam.

   "I don't believe that there's any neck protection that can protect from
   the impact," he said.

   A hockey player in England recently died after a blade struck his neck
   during a game.