SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — The American Hockey League announced Friday that cut-resistant neck protection is mandatory for every player and on-ice official across all 32 teams beginning this season.
AHL President and CEO Scott Howson said the league’s Board of Governors had unanimously approved the move, which applies to any skater and official, regardless of age and experience. The league a year ago mandated use of cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves.
The 2023 death of American hockey player Adam Johnson from a skate cut to the neck during a game in England has prompted leagues around the world to discuss ways to prevent such injuries, including a new mandate for young players in the United States. Johnson, a former NHL player with Pittsburgh, was 29.
Hockey Canada has mandated neck guard protection for youth players for three decades. The death of Connecticut high school player Teddy Balkind from a skate cut to the neck in 2022 brought the conversation back to the forefront.
The International Ice Hockey Federation announced in December it will mandate neck guards at all levels of tournaments it runs. The NHL currently does not have a mandate, and it would be subject to negotiations between the league and the players’ union.
In operation since 1936, the AHL is the top development league for all 32 NHL teams.
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