a needle shield assembly with a needle having a distal tip and a static feature is provided . the needle shield assembly includes an adapter having an open distal terminus and an open proximal terminus to allow passage of the needle and a needle shield slidably associated with the adapter having an open distal end and an open proximal end where the open proximal end is sufficiently narrow to restrict proximal movement of the needle static feature causing the shield to move in a proximal direction when the needle is pulled proximally after the static feature has established contact with the needle shield proximal end . the assembly includes a canting plate having an unactivated first position and an activated second position that restricts needle movement . the canting plate is activated via a canting plate retention system in communication with the canting plate and responsive to proximal movement of the needle .