The International Ice Hockey Federation announced Monday that it is making neck guards mandatory for all levels of competition in the tournaments it runs, including the Olympics and men's and women's world championships.
The mandate would not apply to professional leagues, including the NHL, which currently does not have any cut-proof safety requirements for players.
The IIHF's move comes after the death of American Adam Johnson, whose neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England in late October.
The exact date for the IIHF neck guard mandate to go into effect is still to be determined, based on the supply of neck guards available.
The English Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the Elite League where Johnson played, reacted to his death by requiring all players in England to wear neck guards beginning in 2024.
Persons:
Adam Johnson, Johnson's, “, Johnson, Rod Pasma, Pasma, we’re, ” Pasma, Washington's, Tampa Bay's Cole Koepke, Oshie, ”
Organizations:
Ice Hockey Federation, NHL, IIHF, Ice Hockey Association, Elite League, Tampa
Locations:
England, Oshie