And, unlike their fellow junior counterparts from the Ontario Hockey League, the Junior C Peach King organization isn't going to make a fuss.

The amendment to enforce neck protection was ratified at the OHA AGM held June 14 in Kingston.

"It's just another piece of equipment," said Peach Kings head coach Dave Brownridge. "The only people who it will affect is the older guys, who haven't worn them in three or four years. Those are the kind of things that, after you wear them for three of four practices, they're no big deal."

Junior leagues have been forced to take a hard look at neck protection implementation after Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik took a skate to the neck from teammate Olli Jokinen in a game versus the Buffalo Sabres in February.

"We're proponents of safety," said owner-GM Dan Nielson. "There is risk when you play hockey."

Nielson also said there was a move afoot to free up Junior C players to wear less facial protection, with the potential for half-shields. The Niagara loop had voted against it, he said.

Brownridge said the club recently treated their players to a weekend of waterskiing and tubing in Kingston, and the club will now begin focusing on training camp, to be held in September. Tryouts start the Tuesday after Labour Day.

Dick Woods of Picton was also acclaimed as chairman of the Ontario Hockey Association at the annual general meeting. He takes the reins from Karen Phibbs of London.