USA Hockey to require neck guards for players under 18 starting August: "Safety is always at the forefront"
The USA hockey rule change follows last year's tragic death of former player Adam Johnson during a game in England.
Ice Hockey
USA Hockey has passed a law that will require all players younger than 18 to wear neck guards during games and training sessions.
The rule change that comes into effect on 1 August, 2024, follows last year's death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson.
The 29-year-old from the English club Nottingham Panthers died from a skate blade cut to the neck last October.
Following the freak accident, the English Ice Hockey Association mandated that starting in 2024, all players must wear neck guards and protectors at all levels of ice hockey.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has also decided to made neck guards mandatory for all levels of its tournaments This includes the Olympic Games and world championships for both men and women. The IIHF has not announced yet when this rile goes into effect.
"Safety is always at the forefront of our conversations and the action of our Congress today reflected that," USA Hockey president Mike Trimboli said in a release.
The USA Hockey Congress declared on Sunday (28 January) that the neck protection must be worn by all under 18’s as well as 19-year-old players at the boys, girls, and junior levels and for on-ice officials under the age of 18. USA Hockey encourages older players to also wear neck guards.
“I know throughout our organisation, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules related to neck laceration protection,” said Pat Kelleher, the executive director of USA Hockey.
“We’re also encouraged that the hockey industry is committed to continuing to work to improve the cut resistant products that protect players to help influence the safest possible landscape for the game.”