Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — On Sunday, USA Hockey congress announced that it will require youth hockey players to wear neck protection in wake of the death of former NHL forward Adam Johnson, who died after being cut by a skate blade during a game in England.
In a move that intends to put safety first, USA Hockey is requiring youth hockey players to wear neck laceration protection in all age classifications except adult.
The requirement, which begins on August 1, extends to practices too, not just games.
The move also requires any on-ice officials under the age of eighteen to wear neck protection.
"The neck guard around here has been utilized for the longest time, probably 20, 30, 40 years,” says John Bradly of Ziggy’s Sports.
The call for neck protection gained more traction after former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson died in late October after suffering a cut to his neck from a skate blade.
In December, the International Ice Hockey Federation decided to mandate neck laceration protection at all levels of competition.
Although they haven't set a date for the senior divisions, as they don't know what the supply will look like.
"I think the supply will be fine. I know that they have neck guard shirts that the net guard is integrated into the shirt. And we had several of those. And right after the accident, they sold out. So, I think that's going to probably become the number one seller."
While the regulation only applies to youth hockey, USA Hockey still recommends that all ages wear neck protection.
This is still a developing story and league officials are still working towards a plan to implement this change.
6 News has been in touch with league officials so stay with us for further updates.
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