The US Hockey Federation has made the use of neck protection mandatory for players in all age categories except adults, according to the organization’s official website.
The rule will come into effect on August 1, 2024. Judges under the age of 18 will also be required to wear neck protection. For hockey players in adult teams, the Federation also recommends the use of additional equipment.
— The U.S. Hockey Congress approved legislation requiring the use of neck cut protection for players of all ages, except seniors, during games and practices, and for on-ice officials under the age of 18, effective August 1, 2024. The federation has long recommended the use of neck cut protection, as well as cut-resistant socks, sleeves and underwear. The law also strongly encourages adult players to use neck cut protection, the organization said in a statement.
On October 28, 2023, during a British championship match, Nottingham forward Adam Johnson, who previously played for Pittsburgh in the NHL, received a deep cut on his neck with a skate during a collision with an opponent and lost consciousness due to blood loss. . The player was quickly taken to the hospital, but doctors were unable to save the 29-year-old hockey player’s life. North American junior leagues have made neck protection mandatory.
After the incident, the board of directors of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) approved new rules regarding players’ equipment. The IIHF followed the recommendations of the medical committee and made the use of specially designed neck cut protection mandatory at all levels of competition. Neck protection for players in the U20 and U18 age categories has already been approved.
Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
