The AHL has decided that all players and officials must wear cut-resistant neckwear during games starting this season.
This new rule was approved by the Board of Governors unanimously. It’s the first time a North American pro league has made such a rule about neckwear. Last year, the AHL already required cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves for its players and officials.
Although the NHL hasn’t made these protections mandatory, they are becoming more popular. Especially after former NHLer Adam Johnson died last year from a skate cut to his neck in the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League .
Neck Protection Trend:
USA Hockey also announced that starting August 1, all youth, high school, and junior hockey players must wear neck protection during games and practices. The AHL’s statement didn’t mention if practices are included in their mandate.
Fans might think it’s only a matter of time before the NHL follows suit with similar rules.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly mentioned last year that discussions with the NHLPA had started but haven’t progressed much since then. In February, most NHL players were against making neck protection mandatory according to a poll by The Athletic.
What do you think about these new rules?
