Why Matthew Knies Just Made a Surprising Equipment Change

The NHL has tried to implement several measures to make sure that their players are as protected as they can be. Long gone are the days of the helmetless player, and only a select handful of players are without a protective visor to shield their eyes.

It goes beyond that though, with a huge emphasis on protection against skate blades, as one wrong move can turn into a serious catastrophe. The neck guard is the best way to protect players from having a potential disaster, and every year it evolves to become stronger and made tougher to cut.

The importance of staying safe on the ice isn't lost on Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, and his latest venture is showing he's taking it very seriously.

The equipment manufacturer Warroad recently featured Knies sporting their new Warroad Hockey TILO Cut-Resistant Neck & Wrist Base Layer protective gear. Not only does it protect the neck, but provides protection for the entire upper body.

Not only do Knies' hands look smooth as silk ahead of the 2025-26 season, but it seems his focus is making sure he can handle whatever comes at him either directly or indirectly.

The original neck guard was implemented in 1975 when goaltender Kim Crouch suffered a serious injury leading to his father Ed to create the first prototype and has since evolved into the equipment we see today.

Companies like FlexProtect and ICESKIN also provide protection, and its material needs to pass strict regulatory standards and testing in order to be on the market.

Knies might end up being the catalyst to get Warroad's gear off the ground, though the subject of player safety is one that everyone needs to follow.

History hasn't been kind at times, with horrific injuries to Richard Zednik and Clint Malarchuk of the NHL, and the tragic passing of Adam Johnson while playing in the UK due to errant skate blades.

It might end up leading to more players opting for full body protection, as there are still a few blind spots where a skate can catch you that doesn't have any protective gear such as the gap between the shoulder pad and elbow pad, as well as the midsection.

The subject of player safety is often debated as an old-school vs. modern day argument where some yearn for the more reckless and aggressive attitude towards safety.

But the fact of the matter remains, these players won't have much of a career if they aren't taking precautions.

Safety first folks.