Is the NHL safe anymore?

Two weeks ago the hockey world witnessed something that hasn't been seen since Clint Malarchuck's horrifying accident back in the late eighties. Not only did it happen once, but others were hit with similar tragedies during the same week as well. It all began on February 10, when Richard Zednik took a skate to his corrotid artery during the third period of the Sabres-Panthers game. After the incident, Zednik was rushed to a local Buffalo hospital and had lifesaving surgery. He is okay now and should be good in a couple of weeks. On the previous day, official Pat dePuzzo took a skate to the nose when avoiding a check during the Rangers-Flyers game on February 9th. He had  to get a considerate amount of stitches and is cooperating very well. After this incident, Edmonton Oiler Ethan Moreau received a skate right above his right eye. All of these incidents were due to low checks and the ability to not stay away from these hits.

With all of these incidents happening in the same week, many (including myself) are questioning the NHL's safety policy when it comes to protective equipment. As of right now, the NHL does not require visors or neck guards, but that could change in the coming weeks. From my standpoint as both a hockey player and official, I wouldn't be surprised if there are new standards in protective equipment for all hockey divisions. Even my former officiating association in Boise has deemed that all officials should wear visors after what happened to dePuzzo last week. After I heard what happened to Zednik, I even wore a neck guard to my college hockey practice. Can't be too careful, ya know. 

My standpoint on the issue is let the players decide on what they want to wear on the ice. As long as they know the risks that come with playing the sport, I have no objections with what players do. As for youth leagues, I believe that neck guards should be mandatory as they are supposed to be. Hockey can be a dangerous sport and those who play the game as well as those who officiate the game should always be aware of the risks that come with stepping out onto the ice. Only then can we be somewhat safer.