In the high-speed, high-impact world of hockey, player safety is a top priority — and neck protection is one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment. Despite being a small and lightweight item, the neck guard can play a critical role in preventing life-threatening injuries.
Here are four key reasons why every hockey player should wear a neck guard, backed by evidence and real-world data:
One of the most serious risks in hockey is a skate blade making contact with the neck — especially during pileups or collisions. The neck contains major arteries and veins, such as the carotid artery and jugular vein, and any laceration here can be fatal within minutes.
🧠 Fact: According to a study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, skate blade lacerations to the neck, while rare, have a 40% mortality rate without immediate medical attention.
📰 In 2023, the tragic death of professional player Adam Johnson, who suffered a fatal neck laceration during a game, reignited the conversation around neck guard use.
Wearing a certified cut-resistant neck guard can drastically reduce the severity of such injuries or prevent them entirely.
Hockey is faster than ever — even at the youth and high school level. Players are stronger, sticks are lighter, and the game involves more contact and close-quarter play.
🏒 The average NHL skating speed is now over 20 mph, with slapshots reaching 90–100 mph.
👟 Skate blades are incredibly sharp — capable of slicing through thick fabric or skin with ease.
In these high-speed scenarios, accidental contact between a skate and a neck can happen in the blink of an eye. A neck guard adds an important layer of protection that adapts to the modern pace of the game.
More leagues are starting to require neck guards in response to recent injuries and safety reviews.
📍In 2024, USA Hockey recommended all youth players wear neck laceration protection, and several states and leagues made it mandatory.
🏒 Hockey Canada already mandates cut-resistant neck guards at the youth level.
📈 As awareness grows, more equipment manufacturers are creating high-performance, breathable, and comfortable options — reducing any excuse not to wear one.
Getting used to wearing a neck guard early helps players transition smoothly as safety standards tighten across all levels of play.
One of the biggest reasons players avoid neck guards is discomfort — but modern options are lightweight, breathable, and flexible, offering protection without bulk.
🧵 Kevlar® and ballistic nylon materials used in today’s neck guards are both cut-resistant and moisture-wicking.
👕 Many top brands design neck protection to be almost unnoticeable under jerseys, with contoured fits and stretch fabrics.
When you weigh the minimal discomfort against the risk of a serious or fatal injury, the decision becomes obvious: a little extra gear can save your life.
Hockey is a tough sport, but toughness should never come at the expense of safety. A neck guard is a small piece of equipment with a massive protective benefit. Whether you’re a youth player, high school standout, or adult league grinder — wearing one should be non-negotiable.
🛡️ Protect your neck. Play smart. Play safe.
