As Team USA and Canada take to the ice at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, hockey fans are noticing a distinct visual shift: every player is now wearing a neck guard—a requirement not seen in NHL games.

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) enacted the rule in December 2023 after the tragic October 2023 death of British ice hockey player Adam Johnson, who suffered a fatal skate blade cut to the neck during a game in England. The new regulation mandates neck protection at all IIHF competitions, including the Winter Games.

U.S. forward Brady Tkachuk, who hasn’t worn a neck guard since youth hockey, said: “I haven’t worn a neck guard since youth hockey. But it’s good.” Auston Matthews described it as “an adjustment”—“not bad, honestly. Once you’re moving around, you don’t really notice it as much.”

Canadian captain Mark Stone acknowledged the heightened pace of the sport and associated risk, noting: “You’ve seen some horrible, horrible incidents around the globe… We’re very fortunate in the league that we play.”

Different guard styles are being tested for comfort and effectiveness. Zach Werenski, who wore full cut-resistant gear at the 2025 World Championships, is now opting for a lighter neck-only version and finds it “a little warmer, maybe, but it feels fine.” Meanwhile, Tom Wilson, sporting a model made by Warroad Hockey, observed: “A little warmer… nothing too crazy, but everyone’s trying to get used to it.” Sidney Crosby is also sampling various options to balance protection with comfort.

Looking ahead, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have agreed to phase in neck guard requirements for incoming players starting in the 2026–27 season, following a “grandfathering” model similar to the visor mandate introduced in 2013. Players with NHL experience before that season will retain the option to opt out.

Why this matters

This shift underscores a critical evolution in hockey safety standards, driven by the tragic circumstances that prompted the change. Skate blade injuries are rare but potentially catastrophic, as evidenced by Adam Johnson’s death. The Olympics now serve as a live proving ground for new protective norms that could influence wider adoption across leagues.

For the Longview‑Kelso region, where youth hockey is an important part of community culture, these developments resonate deeply. Youth leagues in many areas—including under‑18 players under USA Hockey—already are required to use neck protection, reflecting increased emphasis on player safety across age groups.

The gradual implementation in the NHL reflects a cautious but forward‑leaning stance toward evolving equipment norms. As players adapt to the gear on the Olympic stage, their reactions may shape whether mandatory neck guards ultimately become standard even in pro play.

Columbia Countercurrent will continue tracking how this safety innovation progresses and what it means for all players—from community rinks to the world’s biggest arenas.