USA Hockey Mandates Neck Guards For Players Under The Age Of 18

The decision comes three months after American Adam Johnson died after taking a skate blade to the neck during a game in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

USA Hockey is forcing new rules after a tragic accident.

USA Hockey is now mandating neck laceration protection for all players under the age of 18. The new rule is set to take effect on August 1st.

The decision comes three months after American Adam Johnson died after taking a skate blade to the neck during a game in the Elite Ice Hockey League.

The International Ice Hockey Federation has since also mandated neck guards for players at all levels at the tournaments it runs.

However, the NHL currently does not have any such mandate for players. Officials continue to discuss the issue of cut-resistant gear, which would require an agreement between the league and union.

Johnson was 29-years-old and his death sparked a greater awareness of the dangers of not wearing a neck guard and spurred changes throughout the sport.