AHL Mandates Neck Protection for Players

The American Hockey League (AHL) will mandate cut-resistant neck protection for all players and on-ice officials starting in the 2024-25 season, following a unanimous board of governors' vote. This move comes in response to the tragic death of former NHL and AHL player Adam Johnson, who died from a skate blade injury to the neck during a game in England. The mandate follows similar safety measures by the IIHF, USA Hockey, and other leagues. Although some NHL players have voluntarily adopted neck guards, a league-wide mandate in the NHL would require agreement with the players' union, and a recent poll shows 78% of NHL players oppose such a mandate. The AHL had previously mandated cut-resistant socks and wrist guards for the 2023-24 season.