The International Ice Hockey Federation imposed the wearing of neck guards at all levels of competition on Monday.
The IIHF confirmed the information and mentioned that its decision was taken following the recommendation of its medical committee.
The organization that oversees hockey on the planet has specified that the date of entry into force of the directive in the major ranks will be determined by the capacity of manufacturers to supply this piece of equipment. Until then, the IIHF recommends that players use the neck protector in all its competitions.
The use of neck guards has been on the rise since the tragic death of Adam Johnson, an American hockey player who played professionally in England. Johnson was struck in the neck by a skate blade during a game on October 28, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital. He was 29 years old.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, as well as the OHL and WHL, required their players to wear neck protectors following Johnson’s death.
The NHL is also discussing the possibility of offering its players a similar piece of equipment.
Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken is one of the players who chose to wear a neck guard.
Asked about this Monday noon at the Bell Centre, Gourde admitted that there is a period of adaptation to go through, especially since he had not played with a neck protector since his years at the junior level.
“Of course at the beginning it’s different. It’s been 10 years, maybe, since I last posted this. It seemed hot at first. We found a way to attach it to the shoulder pads so that it breathes better,” he mentioned.
The IIHF’s decision was taken a few weeks before the World Junior Hockey Championship, which begins December 26 in Gothenburg, Sweden.