Neck protection required for hockey players in 2026 Winter Olympics

Starting from the upcoming Olympic Games in Milano-Cortana, all hockey players will be mandated to wear neck guards for safety.

An NHL insider revealed to media sources that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will enforce this safety measure for all players during the tournament. The initial report was brought to light by BBC Sports before circulating widely.

This decision follows a tragic incident in October 2023 when Adam Johnson tragically passed away after a fatal neck injury during a game in Sheffield, England caused by Matt Petgrave's skate blade. While the IIHF had previously announced the requirement of neck guards at all levels of the sport back in December 2023, the implementation at the elite level faced delays due to logistical challenges. With the Winter Olympics in Italy just three months away, the mandate has been officially established.

The upcoming Games will mark the return of NHL players to Olympic competition, a first since 2014. While there is no enforced rule within the NHL regarding neck guards, a few players have chosen to wear them following the heartbreaking incident involving Johnson. However, incoming NHL athletes will need to wear neck guards starting from the 2026-27 season as outlined in the league's updated collective bargaining agreement. Existing NHL players who have competed before the upcoming season will retain the choice to wear them.

Action-packed hockey events are set to kick off on Feb. 5 at the much-anticipated Games.