It happened in an instant. If you follow the sport, you know exactly what I’m talking about—the tragic passing of Adam Johnson in late 2023. It sent a shockwave through the entire hockey community, from the NHL down to the smallest "learn to play" programs in rural towns. Suddenly, a piece of equipment that most players considered a nuisance or a "beginner only" item became the most sought-after gear on the planet. Honestly, it’s about time.
For decades, the hockey neck guard was the awkward stepchild of protective equipment. You’d see kids wearing them because their moms made them, but as soon as a player hit 16 or 17, those guards usually ended up at the bottom of a gear bag, never to be seen again. They were scratchy. They were hot. They felt like they were choking you during a hard backcheck. But the game has changed, and our collective attitude toward safety is finally catching up to the reality of 10-inch steel blades moving at 30 miles per hour.
The Reality of Skate Blade Lacerations
Let's be real: hockey is a game of controlled chaos. You have twelve people on a sheet of ice, all wearing razor-sharp knives on their feet, falling over each other at high speeds. It’s a miracle neck injuries aren't more common. When a skate blade hits skin, it doesn’t just cut; it slices with incredible force.
Medical experts like Dr. Michael Stuart, who has served as the Chief Medical Officer for USA Hockey, have long advocated for better protection in "vulnerable areas" not covered by standard pads. The neck is a prime example. It houses the carotid artery and the jugular vein. If those are compromised, you aren't looking at a "see you in the locker room" type of injury. You're looking at a life-threatening emergency where seconds literally determine the outcome.
We saw this back in 1989 with Clint Malarchuk and again in 2008 with Richard Zedník. Both survived, largely due to the heroic, immediate actions of athletic trainers who had backgrounds as combat medics or high-level trauma specialists. But we shouldn't have to rely on a miracle save by a trainer. The first line of defense should be the gear.
What's Actually Inside a Hockey Neck Guard?
You might think it's just a piece of foam. It's not.
Modern neck protection uses advanced materials that were basically science fiction twenty years ago. Most high-end guards today utilize DuPont™ Kevlar® or high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMPE) fibers. These are the same materials used in ballistic vests and cut-resistant gloves for industrial glass handlers.
The goal isn't necessarily to stop a "blunt force" impact—though some guards do have foam for that—but to prevent the "shear" of a blade.
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- Kevlar Weave: This is the gold standard. It’s incredibly strong relative to its weight.
- BNG (Ballistic Nylon): A bit stiffer, but very effective at stopping penetration.
- D3O Technology: Some newer brands like CCM use D3O, which is a "non-Newtonian" material. It stays soft and flexible while you’re moving but hardens instantly upon impact. It’s kinda like magic, honestly.
If you’re shopping for one, look for the BNQ certification mark. In Canada, the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) sets the standard for neck protectors. If it doesn't have that little sticker or tag, it hasn't been tested to withstand the specific penetration forces required for hockey safety. Don't cheap out here.
Why Players Hated Them (And Why That’s Changing)
Ask any beer leaguer why they don't wear a neck guard. They'll tell you it's uncomfortable.
They'll say it restricts their range of motion when they're trying to look down at the puck or scan the ice for a pass. And yeah, the old-school "velcro collar" style was pretty brutal. It would get soaked in sweat, become abrasive, and give you a nasty rash.
But the industry has pivoted.
The biggest trend right now is the integrated base layer. Instead of a separate piece of gear that you velcro around your neck, the protection is built directly into a compression shirt. Companies like Warroad (founded by NHLer T.J. Oshie) and Bauer have mastered this. The neck protection is built into a "mock neck" style shirt, so it stays in place and moves with your body. It doesn't shift around. It doesn't chafe as much. Most importantly, you don't forget it in the locker room.
The Great Mandate Debate: IIHF vs. NHL
After the Adam Johnson tragedy, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) made neck guards mandatory. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) followed suit shortly after, mandating them for all levels of play, including the World Championships and the Olympics.
In Canada, Hockey Canada already had mandates for most youth levels, but they’ve tightened up the language.
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The NHL is a different beast.
Because of the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA), any new equipment mandate has to be negotiated. Pro players are notoriously superstitious and picky about their gear. Some guys have been wearing the same shoulder pads since junior hockey. Getting them to add a neck guard is a tall order. However, the tide is turning. We’re seeing stars like Rasmus Dahlin and Erik Karlsson start to wear them voluntarily.
"It's just a smart move," Dahlin told reporters when he first showed up to practice with one. He's right. When the best players in the world start wearing them, the "it's not cool" argument dies pretty fast.
Choosing the Right Guard for Your Game
Not all neck guards are created equal, and the "best" one depends on your priorities.
If you’re a goalie, you need something different. Goaltenders usually opt for a "danglers"—that clear plastic shield that hangs from the mask—but a padded neck collar is still a vital secondary defense. A puck to the throat can collapse a windpipe just as easily as a skate can cut it.
For skaters, you basically have three choices:
- The Standard Collar: Cheap, effective, but can be annoying. Good for kids who are still growing and might lose their gear every other week.
- The Bib-Style: This has a piece of fabric that tucks under your shoulder pads. It stays in place much better than the simple collar.
- The Integrated Shirt: This is the premium option. It’s a full long-sleeve or short-sleeve compression shirt with the neck protection built-in. It’s the most comfortable, but also the most expensive.
When you try one on, make sure you're wearing your helmet. Put the helmet on, strap it up, and move your head around. If the helmet hits the guard and pushes it down into your throat, it's too tall. If there’s a massive gap between the guard and the chin strap, it’s too short. You want a "Goldilocks" fit—just enough coverage to protect the vital bits without feeling like you're wearing a neck brace.
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Maintenance: Don't Let It Get Gross
Since this thing sits right against your skin and absorbs a ton of sweat, it can become a petri dish for bacteria. You’ve seen "hockey smell"? A neck guard can become the epicenter of that.
Most of the modern Kevlar-lined shirts are machine washable. Just don't throw them in the dryer on high heat. High heat can break down the synthetic fibers over time and might even shrink the protective insert. Air dry is always the safest bet. If you’re using a standalone collar, toss it in a mesh laundry bag so the velcro doesn't snag your expensive jerseys or socks.
Common Misconceptions About Neck Protection
I hear people say, "I've played for 30 years and never saw a neck injury."
That's great. Honestly. But that's like saying, "I've driven for 30 years and never needed a seatbelt." You don't wear the gear for the 99% of games where nothing happens. You wear it for the 1% moment where everything goes wrong.
Another myth is that they make you overheat. While any extra layer adds some warmth, the moisture-wicking technology in modern base layers is incredible. Most players find that after three or four sessions, they completely forget they’re even wearing it. It becomes part of the uniform, like a mouthguard or a jock.
Actionable Steps for Players and Parents
If you’re currently playing without one, or if you’re a parent looking to gear up your kid, here’s how to handle it:
- Check the rules first. If you’re playing in a sanctioned league, there might already be a specific requirement for BNQ-certified gear. Don't buy a non-certified "neck sleeve" from a random site only to have the ref kick you off the ice.
- Prioritize comfort over price. If the guard is uncomfortable, you won't wear it correctly. You’ll loosen the velcro or tuck it in a way that leaves your neck exposed. Spend the extra $20 for a high-quality integrated shirt. It’s worth it.
- Inspect it regularly. Skate blades are designed to cut. If your neck guard takes a hit, it might be compromised even if it didn't "fail." Look for frayed fibers or deep gouges in the material. If it’s damaged, replace it.
- Lead by example. If you're a coach or a veteran player, start wearing one. The younger players look at the "tough guys" to see what's acceptable. If the toughest guy on the team wears a neck guard, nobody else has an excuse.
The game of hockey is faster and more athletic than it has ever been. We wear carbon fiber helmets, reinforced skates, and composite sticks that can fire a puck at 100 mph. It only makes sense that we protect the most vulnerable part of our anatomy with the same level of technology. A hockey neck guard isn't a sign of fear or a lack of toughness; it’s a sign that you’re smart enough to want to play the game again tomorrow.
Keep your head up, keep your feet moving, and for heaven's sake, cover your neck. It’s the only one you’ve got.
Next Steps for Safety:
- Check your current gear for the BNQ or CE certification labels to ensure they meet modern cut-resistance standards.
- Measure your neck circumference before ordering online; a loose guard is almost as dangerous as no guard at all because it can shift during a fall.
- If you use a separate collar, practice putting it on with your gloves on—you should be able to adjust it quickly on the bench if it slips.
- Replace any neck protection that shows signs of "pilling" or thinning, as this indicates the protective fibers are breaking down from sweat and friction.