USA Hockey says it has long recommended the use of neck protection, but its congress approved legislation now requiring the protection as of Aug. 1, 2024.
The USA Hockey Congress approved legislation today that will make neck laceration protection equipment mandatory for all players 19 or under at the boys, girls and junior levels, and on-ice officials under the age of 18. This new legislation comes into effect on Aug. 1 and will be enforced during games and practices.
This decision comes three months after the tragic on-ice incident in the United Kingdom's Elite Ice Hockey League involving a skate blade to the neck that killed American player Adam Johnson.
USA Hockey has for years recommended that neck protection be used along with other protective and preventative measures, such as cut-resistant socks. Although the new rules are only for the age groups mentioned previously, the governing body also recommends that adults wear neck protection.
The International Ice Hockey Federation passed a similar mandate on Dec. 4, which made neck guards a requirement for all players in all levels of tournaments that the IIHF runs. The WHL mandated neck protection in November. The NHL has yet to pass any mandate for player neck protection or other preventative measures. However, more players have started to wear neck guards during games or test them out in practices. This new legislation from USA Hockey could be a sign of the changing times in player safety.