USA Hockey to require use of neck protection, starting in 2024-25
The governing body of hockey in the United States is taking a stance in favor of protecting players.
On Sunday, the USA Hockey Congress approved legislation that will require all players, other than adults, to wear neck laceration protection during games and practices.
The new rule goes into effect Aug. 1, 2024.
Referees under the age of 18 will also be required to wear neck protection as well.
“Safety is always at the forefront of our conversations and the action of our Congress today reflected that,” USA Hockey Mike Trimboli said in a release. “We appreciate the significant work done by our Safety and Protective Equipment Committee, led by Dr. Mike Stuart, and the many others who were instrumental in the overall evaluation process.”
USA Hockey has had a long history of recommending players to wear neck guards, along with other cut-resistant equipment. However, in the aftermath of former Pittsburgh Penguin forward Adam Johnson dying after being cut by a skate, the organization’s Board of Directors quickly asked the Safety and Protective Equipment Committee to begin the process of recommending rule changes in order to protect its players.
“I know throughout our organization, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules related to neck laceration protection,” USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher added. “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.”
The legislation also strongly recommends use of neck laceration protection by adult players.
Neck laceration protection rules have grown exponentially in recent months. The Elite Ice Hockey League in England, the league where Johnson was playing, made the equipment mandatory starting the beginning of January. All three leagues in the Canadian Hockey League require players to wear the aforementioned gear. Even the International Ice Hockey Federation is making all players, from the senior tournaments to the youth ranks, wear neck protection during all competition.