OUTLINEThesis: Although most hockey athletes believe that wearing the necessary equipment protects them from injuries, I however believe that these regulations should be more stringent due to the severity of injuries recent and past injuries.Introduction: Are equipment regulations sufficient to ensure the safety of our hockey athletes?I. Injury. Richard Zednikb. Clint Malarchukc. Bill Masterton II. History of Equipment. Before 1950b. 1960-1970c. 1970-1980d. 1980-1990e. 1990-2000III. Current equipment regulations. Protectors for the neck. Helmet. Goalkeeper masksIV. Neck protection debate. Probably ConsConclusions: It will take a death to get NHL officials to change their minds about neck guard policies like they did with helmets after Bill Masterton's death. Are current equipment regulations sufficient to protect our hockey athletes? I ask this after the fatal accident that recently occurred here in Buffalo. However, it is not the first time that the NHL (National Hockey League) has recorded injuries of this magnitude. What were these wounds? How have they affected the NHL rules? What kind of rules are in place today? What is the NHL doing about neck guards? These questions and more will be answered as we take a look at NHL injuries, the history of equipment regulations, current equipment regulations and the neck brace debate. It was Sunday February 10, 2008 here in Buffalo at the HSBC Arena. The Buffalo Sabers were playing the Florida Panthers. Thousands of spectators cheered as Buffalo took a 4–3 lead. The puck flew down the ice toward goaltender Ryan Miller's left corner. Players of both teams rushed after the puck, 10 minutes and 4 seconds into the 3rd period, Florida forward Olli Jokinen......in the center of the sheet......another player has to meet death before the NHL changes its think about neck guards? Weren't Clint Malarchuk and Richard Zednik's injuries bad enough? How many more players will have to face this fate before something is done? I think Florida Panthers coach Jacques Martin said it best in a press conference held upon Richard Zednik's release from the Meredith hospital "In a situation like this you realize that hockey is just a game, life is more important." Work Cited Richard Zednik Hockey Throat Cut. Video. http://www.break.com/index/richard-zednik-hockey-throat-cut.html. 2012Press conference with Richard Zednik and Jacques Martin. Video. ESPN. 2012 “NHL Rules”. March 2012, March 2012“Ruff on neck guards: 'I would support them.' Hoax news. February 11, 2012. “Hockey for Dummies” March 2012. “NHL Equipment.” March 2012.