Ice hockey players will wear neck guards at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy for the first time. This is a huge win for safety in the sport. The rule comes from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). They want to protect players from bad neck injuries during games.
What is a neck guard in ICE Hockey?
It’s a simple piece of gear that covers your neck. Made from strong materials like Kevlar or thick foam, it stops cuts from sharp skates, sticks, or fast pucks. It wraps around your throat and clips to your jersey or shoulder pads. It’s light, comfy, and doesn’t get in the way of skating or playing. Think of it like a scarf, but tough enough to save lives.
Why is a neck guard so important?
Ice hockey is super fast and full of brutal hits. Players zoom around on ice with sharp blades on their feet. One wrong crash, and a skate could slice someone’s neck. This injury can result in severe bleeding or even death. Sadly, we’ve seen it happen. In 2023, a player named Adam Johnson died after a skate cut his neck in a game in England.
Without neck guards, players take big risks every time they play. The new rule will make sure everyone at the Olympics is safer. Even top pros from the NHL will have to wear them.
This change is about putting safety first. Hockey is exciting, but no one should die playing it. By 2026, neck guards could become normal everywhere, helping prevent more tragedies. It’s a smart move that shows the sport is growing and caring more about its players.
Winter Olympics 2026 Start Date
The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026, in Milano Cortina, Italy.
