How Many NHL Players Have Worn Neck Guards this Season?

Hockeyneckguard.com – Although the NHL held its annual late fall general managers meetings, there are still tons of pressing issues to discuss including the introduction of personal safety equipment, specifically neck guards worn by players. According to Colin Campbell, the league’s senior executive vice president, there is a low neck guard usage percentage in the NHL and he revealed that just 7.7% of NHL players have worn neck guards this season. That represents only 55 actual skaters out of over 700.

However, although those overall numbers are low, sources indicate that the NHL is in fact encouraging NHL teams to encourage players to take as much safety and precaution as possible. The goal is to have neck guards gain more interest and like visors and helmets, be commonly used by players and be part of their regular on ice equipment in the near future. Read More

NHL Hockey Neck Protection Mandate Currently Not in Affect, But Headed There Soon!

HockeyNeckGuard.com – The majority of hockey leagues around the world has made protective neck guards mandatory, however not in the World’s Best Hockey league, the NHL. Not yet anyway!

The NHL and NHL Players Association have not made hockey neck protection mandatory although it has been a point of discussions as the Players Association and NHL are continuously working constructively to make the players aware of the benefits of protecting themselves. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly commented that they all know the issue is heading in that direction and likely soon, hockey neck guards will be a part of every level of hockey, and players will be safer for it. Read More

International Ice Hockey Federation Mandates Hockey Neck Guards at All Levels of Competition!

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has indicated that it is making hockey neck guards as a mandatory piece of equipment that must be worn for all levels of competition. This will include Winter Olympics and the World Championships tournaments, both Men’s and Women’s Teams.

The neck guards, also known as laceration neck protectors are now mandatory for the senior categories in addition to the U20 and U18 categories, for which neck laceration protectors had already been enforced as per IIHF Official Rule Book. The exact date this mandate will go into effect for the senior categories will be determined by the supply situation.

The IIHF remains in close contact with its suppliers to ensure they are able to respond to the current high demand. Read More

How Will the Use of Neck Guards be Enforced in Hockey?

HockeyNeckGuard.com – As indicated on our earlier post labeled, “USA Hockey Approved Legislation requiring the Use of Neck Protection for Players“, USA Hockey has indicated that all hockey players and on ice officials under the age of 18 must wear the neck guards while on the ice. But how will this be enforced? As for USA Hockey, Rule enforcement will be the same as any other protective equipment violation – the first violation will result in a player substitution and a team warning. Any subsequent protective equipment violations by the team during the game will result in a misconduct penalty.

If a player loses their neck laceration protector during play, it is treated the same as a mouthpiece. Play will continue until the next stoppage, then the player must replace the equipment or undergo a substitution. Read More

Hockey Neck Guard History

The Hockey neck guard (which is also called a Kim Crouch collar) is a piece of protective equipment worn by players around the neck area, particularly b players in the ice skating team sports of ice hockey, bandy, ringette, and rinkball. The guard is designed to prevent injury to the neck by ice hockey pucks, ringette rings, bandy balls, the metal blades on ice skates, and various types of sticks, i.e. ice hockey sticks. This piece is especially critical to goaltenders, especially ice hockey goaltenders, who are more likely at risk to be injured in this area.

History

The guard was developed in Ontario, Canada, after Kim Crouch, goalkeeper of the Royal York Royals, suffered a serious neck injury when his jugular vein was sliced by a skate when he dove into a fray during a 1975 match against the Markham Waxers. Kim Crouch’s father, Ed Crouch, developed a prototype neck-guard to help him return to the game. The guard was subsequently widely adopted by ice hockey players.

On January 28, 2024, USA Hockey, the governing body for ice hockey in the United States placed a mandate that began on August 1, 2024 in which all players and on-ice officials under the age of 18 are required to wear neck laceration protection that is “that is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose.” Despite an adult exemption, USA Hockey still strongly recommends adult players use neck guards. View Source

What are the Different Types of Hockey Neck Guards?

Hockey neck guards are an essential piece of protective gear that provide vital protection against injuries from sticks, pucks, blades, and other equipment on the ice. There are many different styles and designs including collar neck guards, bibbed hockey neck guards, and shirt guards. When shopping for the right guard, make sure you speak to a hockey equipment associate that doesn’t just work on commission, but one who truly knows the differences and benefits between each style of hockey neck guards available. Choosing the right one that works and fits best for you is key to an enjoyable and much safer game of hockey.

What are the Main Benefits of Hockey Neck Guards?

Hockey Neck Guards Provide Protection – Hockey neck guards provide essential protection for the neck and throat area. The most commonly used hockey neck guards are made up of Kevlar and/or high density foam that provides further protection against accidental injury. Having a neck guard reduces the risk of serious injury caused by sticks, skates, pucks, and impact on the ice.

Must be Comfortable to Wear – Most Hockey neck guards are lightweight and made up of breathable materials, providing optimal comfort during practices and games. Most also have a moisture system which helps keep them cool to ensure that the player’s neck won’t become too hot and sweaty. These neck guards are lightweight and designed to fit comfortably and securely without affecting flexibility and/or movement.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Hockey Neck Guard – When searching for the right neck guard, the first thing to take note of is the size and fit of this guard. It is essential that you choose the correct size to ensure optimal protection and performance on the ice. Hockey neck guards should fit snugly and be aligned to fit the body in order for it to provide maximum protection and support. Some even come as a Bib type to further protect the collarbone while at the same time preventing it from shifting during play.

What are the Most Popular Brands of Hockey Neck Guards Available in the Market?

There are many various hockey neck guard brands available but the main ones that you will see most players wearing on the ice are from Bauer, CCM, Easton, and Sherwood. All offer superior comfort and protection on the ice and most you will see in your local sports shop.

American Hockey League Mandating Hockey Neck Protection Starting in 2024-25

HockeyNeckGuard.com – The American Hockey League (AHL) is mandating the use of cut-resistant neck protection by all players and on-ice officials. The changes went into effect for the 2024-25 season following a unanimous vote by the AHL board of governors. All AHL players, referees and linespersons regardless of experience or tenure in the league must add approved cut-resistant neck protectors to their equipment. Read More

The Importance of Hockey Neck Guards.

HockeyNeckGuard.com – Hockey is one of the fastest and most exciting sport to play, but as fun as it is, hockey carries a very real risk of injury to players of all levels and ages. To help keep hockey players protected, it’s important to get all the right equipment before you step onto the ice. Sure wearing proper sized skates, gloves, shin guards, shoulder pads and helmets, there is a lot more safety equipment that you will need to wear. 

But even with all the top hockey equipment that we protect ourselves with, one of the most vital part of the body is still left exposed. That part is the neck area. There have been an increased number of severe neck injuries throughout the hockey world and most of these accidents could of been avoided with a proper Hockey Neck Guard. These neck guards (also known as throat guards)  provides the recommended neck cut-protection and come in various styles that offer the most comfortable feel and fit. 

It doesn’t matter if you are new to the game, a pick up hockey player, in a house league hockey team, or an up and coming player playing for your school or city team, it’s very important that you include a Hockey Neck Guard as part of your regular hockey safety equipment. If you don’t currently have one, please make it a priority to get yourself one as it just might save your life one day! 

USA Hockey Approved Legislation requiring the Use of Neck Protection for Players.

HockeyNeckGuard.com – The USA Hockey Congress approved legislation requiring the use of neck laceration protection for players effective August 1, 2024. The new hockey neck guard or hockey neck protection requirements includes players in youth programs, girls and other junior programs however it won’t be mandatory for adults 18 and over. read full story

USA Hockey has long recommended the use of neck laceration protection, as well as cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments. read full story