In a significant move for player safety, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has officially confirmed that neck guards will be compulsory for all ice hockey players at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026.
A Decision Following Tragedy
This landmark ruling follows the IIHF's initial announcement in December 2023, where it committed to making neck protection mandatory across all its competitions. However, a specific start date was not provided at that time. The decision has been heavily influenced by the tragic death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson in October 2023. Johnson suffered a fatal neck injury after being cut by a skate during a British Elite League match.
Varied Responses Across Leagues
The new Olympic mandate highlights a patchwork of approaches to neck guard usage in the sport. While Ice Hockey UK already requires its national team players to wear neck guards, the British Elite League, where Johnson played, has only 'strongly encouraged' their use since the incident, stopping short of making them a requirement.
Across the Atlantic, North America's premier league, the National Hockey League (NHL), has also taken a staggered approach. The NHL will make neck guards compulsory, but only for new players entering the league from the 2026-27 season, leaving existing players without a mandate.
Setting a New Safety Standard
The IIHF's firm stance for the Olympics, one of the world's most-watched sporting events, sets a powerful new safety standard for ice hockey globally. By making neck guards non-negotiable for all participants in Milan-Cortina, the federation is sending a clear message about prioritising athlete welfare at the highest level of competition.
