The death of American hockey player Adam Johnson after being cut in the neck by a skate blade during an IIHF game this fall has sparked a debate over whether the game needs more protective gear, including for the neck. While the sport already has a variety of options for wrist, arm, knee and Achilles tendon protection, there have been far less choices for neck guards. That may be changing. The International Ice Hockey Federation has approved a plan to require players in the women’s, junior and youth leagues to wear neck guards starting next season.
While no piece of equipment is foolproof, the right neck guard can significantly reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening injuries. The best neck guards are made from a durable, cut resistant material that is designed to be flexible enough for the player to move and protect against the impact of a collision with another player or the ice surface. A neck protector should also fit securely without being tight or uncomfortable, allowing the player to focus on the game and play with confidence.
The most important feature of a quality neck protector is its ability to prevent cuts from sharp hockey skate blades. The best neck guards will have a layer of high-density closed-cell foam that is designed to resist the sharp edges of a skate blade. The foam should be backed by an abrasion-resistant fabric to further increase the protective capability of the neck guard.
Some hockey neck guards are also available with a chin strap that helps to hold the protector in place during game action. The chin strap is especially useful for goalies who need extra support while keeping their mask in place.
Choosing the right hockey neck guard for your child is an important decision. While sizing can vary, you should use a tape measure or something similar to measure the circumference of the player’s neck to ensure a proper fit. Most neck protectors have velcro straps on the back to adjust for a secure fit. It is also important to look for a certification like BNQ or CE (Conformite Europeenne) that indicates compliance with specific safety standards. While USA Hockey is working on developing a universal standard for neck guards, these existing certifications can serve as quality benchmarks.
One example of a cutting edge neck guard is the Aegis Pro Series. This new neck guard is based on a patented D3O foam that is incredibly tough and absorbs energy to reduce the chance of a serious injury. The abrasion-resistant fabric also evacuates moisture to keep the neck dry from start to finish.
The Aegis Pro Series is a great choice for youth goalies and all other players in the youth, girls and junior age classifications. USA Hockey will soon be requiring all players and on-ice officials under the age of 18 to wear a neck laceration protector in games and practices, beginning August 1st, 2024. This is a significant change to equipment requirements that will help to dramatically reduce the number of potentially fatal neck injuries.