World Juniors undergoes serious mandate following tragedy in the hockey world

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Sam Walker
December 4, 2023 (2:16 PM)

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In response to the recent accident involving Adam Johnson in the Elite Ice Hockey League, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has mandated the use of neck guards for players in the upcoming World Juniors tournament. The decision is a proactive step to address safety concerns and prioritize player well-being.

The IIHF is also considering extending this safety measure to other international hockey events, such as the World Hockey Championships, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing injury risks and ensuring player safety.

This move aims to promote preventive measures and is a straightforward way to avoid unnecessary injuries. The decision reflects a collective effort to prioritize safety in the aftermath of a tragic incident.

The official IIHF statement:

The IIHF Council, on recommendation from its Medical Committee, has decided to mandate the use of a neck laceration protector, specifically designed for this purpose, at all levels of IIHF competitions. The neck laceration 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.

In response to the incident, players, including those in the NHL, are choosing to wear neck protection. Some teams are openly encouraging players to prioritize safety, marking a positive outcome � increased awareness of the need to protect hockey players.

As the hockey community continues to focus on player safety, making neck guards mandatory is a crucial step to prevent tragic incidents and ensure a secure environment for athletes on the ice.