#CJHLNews | CJHL announces mandatory use of neck guards.
— CJHL (@cjhlhockey) November 3, 2023
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All Canadian Junior A hockey players must now wear neck guards during all on-ice activities, following a recent tragedy overseas. The decision was unanimously approved by all nine member leagues of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) on November 3, 2023.
The rule is effective immediately and applies to all 122 CJHL teams. Players will be required to wear certified protective neck guards during all games and practices.
The decision to mandate neck guards comes after the death of Adam Johnson, a former NHL player who was fatally injured on October 28, 2023 when his neck was slashed by a skate during an on-ice collision. Johnson was playing for the Nottingham Panthers in the English Ice Hockey Association at the time.
Neck guards are designed to protect the throat area from cuts and lacerations. They come in two different styles: bib and collar. Both styles are typically made of ballistic nylon, a thick and durable fabric.
Hockey Canada, the governing body for hockey in Canada, already requires all minor and female hockey players to wear BNQ-certified throat protectors. The BNQ is a Canadian organization that certifies safety equipment for a variety of sports and activities.
The CJHL is the second major hockey league in Canada to mandate neck guards for players. The Western Hockey League (WHL) made neck guards mandatory in 2022.
The decision to mandate neck guards is a positive step towards improving player safety in hockey. Neck guards can help to prevent serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
