The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has confirmed that the use of neck protectors will be mandatory for all players at the upcoming Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan-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 previously announced in December 2023 that neck protectors would be mandatory at all levels of the sport. The implementation of this rule comes three months before the start of the Olympic Games, which will mark the return of NHL players to Olympic competition since 2014.
Although the NHL does not require the mandatory use of neck guards for all its players, some have chosen to use them after the Johnson incident.
Furthermore, starting in the 2026-27 season, new NHL players will be required to wear neck guards, 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 wear them. The ice hockey tournament at the Olympic Games will begin on February 5th.
