In a landmark safety decision by the national federation, all high school ice hockey players will be required to wear neck laceration protectors for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The rule was proposed by the NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Committee in late April, accepted by the federation's board of directors, and announced Wednesday.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, which governs ice hockey under national federation rules, told the Globe that the changes to the NFHS rulebook will take effect this season.
Rule 3-4-4 states that neck laceration protectors must be used in the manner intended by the manufacturer, without modification during competition.
Dan Shine, director of competition at Arlington Catholic Church and a member of the national rules committee for three years, responded to USA Hockey's Jan. 28 ruling requiring all players under the age of 18 to use neck laceration protectors. , had anticipated the change.
“Safety is an issue and we take safety very seriously, but that's a good thing for high school hockey players,” said Shine, the MIAA hockey committee chairman. “Anything we can do to make the game as safe as possible must be followed.”
St. John's-Shrewsbury coach Mike Mead, one of the committee members, added: “The safety of the players has to come first.”
Last October, former NHL player Adam Johnson died from a laceration to his neck caused by an opponent's skate while skating during a Champions Cup game in England. His death spread awareness throughout the game that enhanced neck laceration protectors can help keep players safe, especially at the youth and high school levels.
Neck protectors can be sewn into undershirts and cost between $75 and $200. Neck guard collars cost between $20 and $40. Players who participate in USA Hockey will already be wearing neck laceration protectors. Going forward, purchasing neck protectors will be an expense that athletic departments will need to include in their budgets.
NFHS rules require players to return to the bench if they play without a neck laceration protector or if it comes off during play. If a player refuses to wear equipment, his team will be given a minor penalty of 2 minutes. Goaltenders must also wear a protector, but it must be worn separately from the throat protector attached to the goaltender's mask.
“After intense discussion this year, the committee has made several changes to minimize risk to participating athletes and to provide greater clarity to the current language in the rulebook,” the NFHS said. said Dan Schuster, director of educational services and on-ice liaison. Hockey Rules Committee.
Cam Kelly can be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com.
