The International Ice Hockey Federation announced on Monday that neck guards will be mandatory at all levels of competition at the federation's competitions, including the Olympics and the men's and women's world championships.
This obligation does not apply to professional leagues, including the NHL. The NHL does not currently have cut safety requirements for players. Any authority in the NHL would require an agreement between the league and the players union, which has long debated the safety of skate blades.
IIHF's move comes in response to the deaths of Americans adam johnson He was decapitated with a skate blade during a match in England at the end of October.Johnson died at age 29 under investigationAnd the tragedy on the ice sparked a significant debate surrounding sports About the need for extra protection for your neck, wrists and legs.
The exact date of the IIHF neck guard mandate is yet to be determined based on the available supply of neck guards.
“The IIHF remains in close contact with its suppliers to ensure they can meet the current high demand,” the group said. “Until this rule officially takes effect, the IIHF continues to strongly recommend that all players participating in IIHF games wear neck laceration protectors.”
Previously, neck guards were already mandatory in tournaments such as the World Junior Championships, as the IIHF initially had neck protection rules only for players under 20 and 18. The governing body for hockey around the world decided to expand the order based on the recommendations of the medical committee.
The British Ice Hockey Association, which governs the sport below the elite league in which Johnson played, responded to Johnson's death by calling on all England players to: wear a neck guard Like the IIHF, this mission was not immediate due to supply issues.
NHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Rod Pasma addressed general managers last month about cut-resistant equipment. Pasma said players have far more options than they did 10 years ago, with more than 10 options for wrist, body and Achilles/foot protection, but fewer options for neck guards. .
“At the neck, we're getting there,” Pasma said. “I wasn't wearing a lot a month ago, but as of today, I think I have up to eight companies sitting on my desk waiting for approval. Of those eight, maybe 12 to 14 They have a choice and they have to choose.”
Washington's TJ Oshie, Cole Koepke of Tampa Baywore neck guards in games this season in light of Johnson's death.
“I think it's very important, NHL people, to know that it's going to be available,” Oshie said. “We're grown men. If you don't want to do it, don't do it. I don't know if it's necessary to mandate it, at least now that we're in the middle of the season, but you can make your own choices. I'm for the kids. I made my choice. I want to stay away from them. I'm just trying to reduce my chances of injury.”
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