When discussing the topic of player safety in hockey, attention is typically given to head-shot rules, fighting and dangerous infractions leading to suspensions.
However, cut-resistant technology is becoming increasingly important, especially after Adam Johnson's tragic passing last year when a skate cut his neck during a game in the Elite Ice Hockey League.
On Friday, American Hockey League President and CEO Scott Howson announced the AHL’s Board of Governors has unanimously approved the mandatory use of cut-resistant neck protection for the 2024-25 season.
All AHL players, referees and linespeople, regardless of age or experience, will be required to wear the gear starting this fall.
The news comes after the AHL, at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, mandated cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves for all players and officials.
After Johnson's death, the WHL, OHL and QMJHL adopted mandatory neck guard protection, while USA Hockey created a policy requiring players 18 or younger to wear neck protection in all games and practices.
Currently, the NHL does not have a neck protection policy in place, but some players, such as Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, have decided to wear such protection on their own terms.
COMMENTS
When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.