Mandatory Protection: Neck Protectors at the Winter Olympics
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has established a new safety rule that will affect all players in the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in Milan-Cortina. A source from the NHL confirmed this Wednesday that the use of neck protectors will be mandatory throughout the Olympic tournament. This measure is implemented in response to the tragic death of Adam Johnson in October 2023. Johnson lost his life after suffering a neck wound caused by a skate blade during a match in Sheffield, England. This incident prompted the IIHF to take stricter measures regarding player protection. The IIHF had already announced in December 2023 that neck protectors would be mandatory at all levels of the sport. However, a date for implementation at the professional level had not been specified, due to problems with the supply of this equipment to the teams. Finally, a deadline has been set, three months in advance of the inauguration of the Olympic Games in Italy. These games will mark the return of NHL players to Olympic competition since 2014.Although there is no widespread obligation for the use of neck protectors in the NHL, some players have chosen to use them after Johnson’s accident. In addition, new NHL players will be required to wear neck protectors 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 may continue to opt for their use.
Ice hockey at the Olympic Games will begin on February 5th.
