HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- Following the lead of the NHL, the American Hockey League on Monday mandated hat safety netting be installed above the glass in the corners and behind the nets in all arenas around the league.

The NHL announced similar moves last month following the death of 13-year-old Brittanie Cecil, who was struck by a puck shot into the crowd at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on March 16.

The height and design of the netting in AHL arenas may vary due to structural differences from venue to venue, but should be of "sufficient dimension" to reduce the incidence of pucks entering the stands.

The AHL said that installation of the netting systems should be completed "as soon as possible."

The average height of the netting in NHL arenas is expected to be approximately 18 feet.