At first, the protective undershirt that looks like a mock turtleneck was uncomfortable and made Jayson Megna’s visor fog up. However, the experienced hockey player continued to wear the long-sleeved shirt made to protect his neck from sharp skate blades.
Since Adam Johnson’s tragic death in October 2023 during a game in England, the importance of protective gear has been a major topic in hockey at all levels.
This season, the American Hockey League, which is the main developmental league below the NHL, took a significant step by making it mandatory for all players, referees, and linesmen to wear some form of cut-resistant neck protection.
Similar to how visors became required for eye protection about ten years ago, players may need some time to adjust to wearing neck guards. These guards are becoming increasingly common for players of all ages.
Hockey Canada has required neck protection for youth players for 30 years, and USA Hockey made it mandatory for U.S. players under 18 starting August 1. Now, the focus is shifting to professional players.
“Hopefully, this will become just another piece of equipment for them,” said AHL president Scott Howson. His league has often tested rules for the NHL, including 3-on-3 overtime and the requirement for cut-resistant socks and sleeves last season. “With the various products available, we hope players can find something they like and eventually forget they are wearing it while playing.”
The tragic incident with Johnson highlighted the dangers of the sport. He was cut in the neck during a game and later died in the hospital.
While many youth programs in North America have guidelines for safety gear, there hasn’t been a requirement at the highest levels of hockey, even though league leaders and player representatives have discussed it for years.
Neck guards are being tested in the AHL, which starts Friday, with full support from NHL officials on the competition committee.
“Last year, some teams decided, ‘I can’t do it in the NHL, but I can do it in the American League,’” Howson explained. “We’ll see how this develops.”
