The governing body for hockey in the United States later this year will begin requiring that players and officials under 18 on the ice wear equipment to protect their necks.
USA Hockey said in a news release Sunday that the group's Congress approved legislation requiring the use of protection from neck lacerations for youth players in all age classifications in games and practices, as well as for on-ice officials under the age of 18, effective Aug. 1, 2024.
USA Hockey has long recommended the use of neck laceration protection, as well as cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments. The USA Hockey Board of Directors asked the organization’s Safety and Protective Equipment Committee in November 2023 to begin the process of recommending potential rule changes related to neck laceration protection.
USA Hockey's decision comes three months after Adam Johnson, who appeared in 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 and 2020, has died after his neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England in October, the Associated Press reported. U.S. youth hockey also has been struck by on-ice tragedy in recent years. Connecticut high school player Teddy Balkind, 16, died two years ago from a skate cut to the neck during a game, the AP reported.
In a statement in the release, president of USA Hockey Mike Trimboli said safety is paramount in the organization. Executive director of USA Hockey Pat Kelleher.
“I know throughout our organization, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules related to neck laceration protection,” Kelleher said in a statement. “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 that passed Sunday also strongly recommends use of neck laceration protection by adult players.
Since Johnson died, the International Ice Hockey Federation has mandated neck guards for players at all levels at the tournaments it runs.
The AP reported that the NHL does not yet have any rule mandating neck protection for players. Officials continue to discuss the issue of cut-resistant gear, which would require an agreement between the league and union.
Three-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson had his left Achilles tendon sliced by a skate blade during an NHL game in 2013, an injury that required surgery and ended his season. Winger Evander Kane missed two months after being cut by a skate on his left wrist.
