At the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, all hockey players will be required to wear neck guards, marking a significant change from NHL play where such gear is optional. This adjustment follows a decision by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in December 2023, prompted by the tragic death of Adam Johnson, who suffered a fatal skate cut to the neck during a game in England the previous October. The implementation aims to enhance player safety by reducing the risk of similar severe injuries at international competitions.
Player Reactions to New Safety Equipment
U.S. forward Brady Tkachuk acknowledged the nostalgic aspect of the rule, saying,
“I haven’t worn a neck guard since youth hockey,”
but affirmed, “But it’s good.” This sentiment reflects a mix of apprehension and recognition of the importance of added protection among players adjusting to the change. U.S. captain Auston Matthews described the sensation as an “adjustment,” explaining,
“It’s not bad, honestly. I don’t think many guys love it, but I think once you kind of get out there and you’re moving around, you don’t really notice it as much.”
Canada’s Mark Stone expressed concern about the fast-paced risks in hockey:
“You’ve seen some horrible, horrible incidents around the globe,”
he said, adding,
“The game has gotten so fast, so stuff happens at a high pace. … We’re very fortunate in the league that we play, our staffs are very, very prepared, which I am very, very grateful for.”
Stone anticipates neck guards becoming as standard as visors, similar to how helmets were eventually universally adopted despite initial resistance.
During early Olympic practices, players had varying experiences wearing the new equipment. Nathan MacKinnon noted that the neck guard made him warmer but maintained a positive attitude, akin to Tkachuk’s. Tom Wilson commented, “A little warmer,” adding,
“Nothing too crazy, but everyone’s trying to get used to it. Everyone’s in the same boat.”
Defenseman Zach Werenski, who wore a neck guard during the World Championships last spring as part of the United States’ first tournament win since 1933, found the neck-only guard manageable compared to a full cut-proof shirt he previously wore. “That was too hot,” Werenski stated,
“This isn’t bad at all, though. It’s a little bit warmer maybe, but it feels fine.”
Evolution of Safety Rules in Professional Hockey
The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have agreed to gradually introduce neck guards for new players starting next season, following a precedent set in 2013 with mandatory helmet visors, now worn by almost all players. This step reflects a cultural shift in a sport traditionally resistant to equipment changes. Currently, most NHL players have chosen not to wear neck guards voluntarily, making the Olympics a unique environment where the rule is enforced uniformly.
Other leagues have already taken steps towards mandatory neck protection. The American Hockey League requires neck guards in its second season of enforcement, and USA Hockey has mandated them for players under 18 starting in 2024. These developments indicate a growing awareness of the risks posed by skate cuts, which have sidelined notable players such as Erik Karlsson and Evander Kane in the past.
Historical Skate Cut Incidents Highlight Safety Need
Skate cut injuries have posed serious health threats throughout hockey history. Notable players like goaltender Clint Malarchuk and forward Richard Zednik survived neck cuts that could have ended their careers or lives. These incidents underline the significance of protective gear. Matthews emphasized this by comparing neck guards to other safety equipment, saying,
“I wear the cut-proof stuff on your wrists and your ankles and feet and stuff like that. … It’s obviously important to be protected at all times.”
Players’ Choice and Comfort with Neck Guard Options
Players currently experiment with different neck guard designs to balance protection and comfort. Mark Stone prefers a slide-on model over a Velcro design he tried with the Vegas Golden Knights, stating,
“I’ll see if I like it. I’ll probably try without it when I get back, and if I don’t notice a difference, I’ll probably leave it on. But if I do notice a difference, I’ll probably keep it off.”
Canada’s captain Sidney Crosby revealed that he still has his old neck guard but is testing other varieties ahead of competitive play:
“We haven’t worn them, so I’m just trying to figure out which one feels the most comfortable. You’re just trying to balance having protection and obviously what feels comfortable. That’s basically it.”
Tom Wilson chose a neck guard made by Warroad Hockey, a brand linked to fellow 2018 Stanley Cup champion T.J. Oshie of the Washington Capitals, emphasizing personal preference in equipment choice moving forward.
Implications for Player Safety and Future Competitions
The enforcement of neck guards at the Milan Cortina Olympics signifies a critical movement toward enhanced player safety at the highest levels of hockey, particularly in international tournaments. The NHL’s gradual adoption plan and existing mandates at lower levels confirm a growing consensus on the serious risks posed by skate cuts. As players and organizations adjust, this rule change will likely lead to wider acceptance and routine use of neck protection, further safeguarding athletes from life-threatening injuries in a fast-moving and physically intense sport.
