Death of Hockey Player Adam Johnson Spurs On-Ice Safety Improvements

USA Hockey mandates neck guards for young players as companies and entrepreneurs develop better cut-resistant materials and designs.

The death of American hockey player Adam Johnson from a skate cut to the neck has led to a surge in efforts to improve on-ice protection from skate blades.
USA Hockey has approved a neck guard mandate for players under 18 and others in junior, boys or girls classifications up to age 20.
Companies are now working to come up with better cut-resistant materials and designs to cover vulnerable anatomic areas.
Entrepreneurs are entering the market with new products, including a head covering designed to reduce concussion risk and Kevlar neck protection.
The International Ice Hockey Federation announced it will mandate neck guards at all levels of tournaments it runs.