Mandatory Protection: Neck Protectors at the Winter Olympics
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has confirmed that the use of neck protectors will be mandatory for all hockey players at the upcoming Winter Olympics to be held in Milano-Cortina. This safety measure comes after the tragic death of Adam Johnson in October 2023, who suffered a fatal neck injury during a match. The IIHF had announced in December 2023 that neck protectors would be mandatory at all levels of the sport. The implementation of this rule at the Olympic level comes three months before the start of the Games, which will feature the participation of NHL players for the first time since 2014.Although the NHL does not require the use of neck guards for all its players, some have chosen to use them after Johnson’s accident. In addition, new NHL players will be required to use them starting in the 2026-27 season, according to the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. Players who have participated in at least one NHL game before next season will still be able to choose whether or not to use them.
Ice hockey will start at the Games on February 5th.
