SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) — Ice hockey is a popular sport throughout the Ocean State, but it can be dangerous. That's why U.S.A. Hockey is requiring players to wear neck guards to protect against cuts while out on the ice. The Northern Rhode Island Vikings Hockey League has decided to take safety a step further by training their coaches how to "Stop the Bleed." "It could be the difference," assistant coach Jeff Pacia said. Pacia, who also works for the North Providence Fire Department, said the Northern Rhode Island Vikings Hockey League has not experienced any severe injuries on the ice, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. Players elsewhere in the hockey world have suffered life-threatening injuries. The U.S.A. Hockey's neck guard mandate was put into place after a player took a skate blade to the neck during a game and died. SEE ALSO: Manslaughter arrest in death of player whose neck was cut by skate blade If that were to happen in Rhode Island, Pacia said being prepared is key. "Especially with severe blood loss," he explained. "Timing is everything." Coaches from across the league participated in the training Wednesday evening, which was designed to teach them how to stop bleeding specifically from hockey injuries. The course is run by the Triage Training Group, which is a local organization whose instructors served in the military. "We've saved so many lives on the battlefield with tourniquets and hemostatic agents like quick clot," Triage Training Group owner Joshua Chiarini said. "We're transferring that knowledge from the battlefield to the streets of America to help save lives." Each coach was given an emergency kit tailored specifically for hockey injuries. "It specifically addresses injuries to the neck," Chiarini said while referring to a tourniquet in the kit. Chiarini said these tools could be the difference between life and death. "They're just trying to get prepared and trying to get ready for something, God forbid something happens," Pacia said. The Triage Training Group also works with first responders and businesses to teach courses like "Stop the Bleed," as well as active-shooter response trainings. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW