USA Hockey has made an important decision to mandate neck laceration protection for all players under the age of 18. This move by the governing body of hockey in the United States comes in response to the tragic death of a player in England who suffered a skate blade injury to the neck. The incident has sparked a renewed debate about the need for cut-proof gear in the sport.
The new rule will take effect on August 1st, allowing for necessary supply chain and production delays to ensure that neck guards are readily available. This decision follows a similar action taken by the International Ice Hockey Federation, which has mandated neck guards for players at all levels in the tournaments it oversees.
USA Hockey's mandate was approved by its congress at the annual meeting, including on-ice officials under 18 and any 19-year-old players at the boys, girls, or junior level. Furthermore, the organization strongly recommends that adults also wear neck protection while playing.
USA Hockey's executive director, Pat Kelleher, expressed the overwhelming support within the organization for the rule change, stating that it is the appropriate time to modify the rules related to neck laceration protection. Kelleher also expressed his encouragement that the hockey industry is committed to continuously improving cut-resistant products in order to enhance player safety.
The need for increased player protection in youth hockey has become evident in recent years, with tragic incidents occurring on the ice. Just two years ago, a Connecticut high school player named Teddy Balkind sadly lost his life due to a skate cut to the neck during a game. These incidents have spurred USA Hockey to take action and prioritize player safety.
While USA Hockey has long recommended the use of cut-resistant socks, sleeves, undergarments, and neck protection, the organization's board of directors recognized the need to further evaluate potential rule changes regarding neck laceration protection. Dr. Mike Stuart, who leads the safety and protective equipment committee, has been advocating and working towards implementing effective cut-resistant undergarments to protect vulnerable areas such as the neck, upper arm, wrist, thigh, and ankle/Achilles tendon regions.
Stuart emphasizes the importance of not only mandating protective gear but also testing, certifying, and developing devices that are both effective and comfortable for players. Additionally, affordability is a crucial factor that should be taken into consideration to ensure that these protective measures are accessible to all participants in the sport.
It is worth noting that the National Hockey League (NHL) currently does not have any mandates for cut-resistant gear. However, discussions are ongoing between league officials and the players' union regarding the implementation of such measures.
Incidents like the one that injured three-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson and caused winger Evander Kane to miss significant playing time due to skate-related injuries highlight the importance of protecting players across all levels of the sport.
USA Hockey's decision to mandate neck laceration protection for players under 18 is a significant step towards enhancing player safety in the game. With a focus on improving and expanding cut-resistant gear, the hope is to create a safer environment for all ice hockey participants.
