MINNEAPOLIS – All high school hockey players in the United States will be required to wear neck guards next season in the wake of the death of a Minnesotan.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced the mandate Thursday.
Players must wear the protector at all times, the NFHS said. If it falls off during play, the player must return to their bench and put it back up before returning to the ice.
Goalkeepers must also wear the guards in addition to their existing throat protectors. Any changes to the protector will result in possible fines.
If a player refuses to wear one, the NFHS says gameplay will be stopped and that player will receive a two-minute minor penalty.
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The Minnesota State High School League released this statement Friday confirming that it will adhere to the new rule:
The Minnesota State High School League believes that risk minimization and the health and safety of all student participants are imperative. Historically, the League has strongly recommended neck tear protectors in hockey, and the League’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee fully supports this change to the NFHS rules. This rule change aligns the Federation and League safety measures with other governing bodies, such as USA Hockey, to ensure the health and safety of all participants.
The rule comes about seven months later the death of Adam Johnson, a native of Hibbing. The 29-year-old suffered a fatal laceration to the throat during a match in the United Kingdom on October 28, 2023.
Johnson was playing with the Nottingham Panthers in the English Elite Ice Hockey League in a match against the Sheffield Steelers when he died in what the Panthers described it as a “freak accident.”.”
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Matt Petgrave, 31, was the Steeler whose skate killed Johnson. Petgrave collided with another Panther in the Steelers’ defensive zone. As Petgrave fell backward, the blade of his left skate clipped Johnson.
Petgrave was arrested weeks after the accident on suspicion of manslaughter. He was released on bail and has not been formally charged with any crime. He continues to play for the Steelers.
Before moving to Great Britain, Johnson played two seasons with the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs before signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Panthers have done that ever since retired Johnson’s number 47 jersey.
The English Ice Hockey Association has also decided that all players must wear protectors.
USA Hockey has established a similar mandate in January for players under 18, which will come into effect this summer.
