Mandatory Protection in Ice Hockey for the Olympic Games
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has established a new safety measure for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. All players must wear neck guards during the tournament.
This decision, confirmed by sources close to the matter, comes after the tragic death of Adam Johnson in October 2023. Johnson suffered a fatal neck injury after being hit by a skate blade during a match in Sheffield, England.
The IIHF had already announced in December 2023 the mandatory use of neck protectors at all levels of the sport. However, a date for its implementation at the highest level had not been established. Now, three months before the start of the Olympic Games, this deadline has been defined.
The Olympic Games will feature the participation of NHL players for the first time since 2014.
Ice hockey will start at the Games on February 5th.
