USA Hockey Makes Historical Ruling For All Youth Players
USA Hockey is enforcing a mandate on neck protection in their youth system.
USA Hockey Mandates Neck Protection
USA Hockey is enforcing neck protection be used by all on-ice members, including players, starting in August 2024. In an official mandate, USA Hockey says that "neck laceration protection" will be mandatory for all players under the age of 18, including for on-ice officials, as of August 1, 2024.
"Safety is always at the forefront of our conversations and the action of our Congress today reflected that,», USA Hockey President Mike Trimboli said in a statement.
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Safety for players has become an important issue in Hockey circles after Adam Johnson, a member of the EIHL's Nottingham Panthers, died after being cut in the neck by an opposing player's skate in a game. Johnson, a former NHLer, passed away shortly after the incident.
All 3 Canadian Major Junior Hockey leagues, the OHL, WHL, & QMJHL have all introduced mandatory neck protection as of November 2023. The NHL continues to have discussion on a neck protection mandate, with NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh expected to hold talks with the NHL in the future, although hesitant on a mandate.
USA Hockey's decision will not impact players and officials over the age of 18.
| POLL | ||
29 JANVIER | 355 ANSWERS USA Hockey Makes Historical Ruling For All Youth Players Should neck protection be made mandatory in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 269 | 75.8 % |
| No | 86 | 24.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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