Washington Capitals' T.J. Oshie supports the new neck protection rule. © Getty Images
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has taken a significant step towards enhancing player safety by announcing the enforcement of neck laceration protectors for hockey players participating in international games. This new mandate, revealed by the IIHF on Monday, will necessitate the use of neck protectors across various levels of international hockey competitions.
Though the specific implementation date for this mandate remains undisclosed, it will encompass all senior games and international tournaments for under-20 and under-18 categories. This includes prestigious events like the Olympics and both men's and women's world championships.
The decision to enforce neck laceration protectors follows a growing demand within the hockey community after a tragic on-ice incident resulting in the passing of former NHL player Adam Johnson.
In a statement issued on Monday, the IIHF Council, acting upon the recommendation from its Medical Committee, expressed its decision to mandate the utilization of a specially designed neck laceration protector across all IIHF competitions.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has declared that neck laceration protectors are now required for senior categories, alongside the existing mandate for the U20 and U18 categories. This directive aligns with the regulations outlined in the IIHF Official Rule Book.
While the IIHF has not specified the commencement date for senior category enforcement, it attributes the delay to the availability of these protectors in the market. The federation has initiated communication with suppliers to handle the escalated demand for this protective gear. In the interim, the IIHF strongly advocates for the usage of neck laceration protectors by hockey players in all IIHF events.
The discourse surrounding neck protectors gained traction following the untimely demise of former NHL player Adam Johnson in England. The 29-year-old American, who previously played 13 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, tragically passed away due to a fatal neck injury sustained during a game in October.
Johnson was participating for the Nottingham Panthers in a Challenge Cup game against the Sheffield Steelers when the incident occurred during the game's second period at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
In response to this devastating event, several prominent figures within the hockey community, including former players, have advocated for the mandatory implementation of neck protectors across the sport.
It's crucial to note that the newly enforced mandate by the IIHF will not extend to professional leagues like the NHL.
