USA Hockey Mandates Neck Protection for Youth Following Player's Death

New rule effective from August 1, 2024, comes in response to the death of professional player Adam Johnson.

USA Hockey has mandated neck laceration protection for all players under the age of 18, effective from August 1, 2024.
The decision comes three months after the death of professional hockey player Adam Johnson, who was killed after being struck by an opponent's skate blade.
The new rule also applies to on-ice officials under 18 and any 19-year-old players at the boys, girls, or junior level.
USA Hockey strongly recommends that adult players also wear neck protection.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has already mandated neck guards for players at all levels participating in tournaments under its jurisdiction.