All high school hockey players must wear neck laceration protectors

In a landmark ruling by the national federation targeting safety, all high school ice hockey players will now be required to wear a neck laceration protector for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The rule, proposed by the NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Committee in late April, was accepted by the federation’s board of directors, and announced Wednesday.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, which administers ice hockey under national federation rules told the Globe that any changes to the NFHS rulebook will be effective for this season.

Rule 3-4-4 specifies that the neck laceration protectors must be used in its intended fashion by the manufacturer without adaptations during competition.

Arlington Catholic athletic director Dan Shine, who has served on the national rules committee for three years, anticipated a change after USA Hockey’s ruling on Jan. 28 requiring the use of neck laceration protectors for everyone under the age of 18.

“When safety is an issue, and we look at safety very seriously, it’s a good thing for high school hockey players,” said Shine, chair of the MIAA’s hockey committee. “When there is something you can do, you have to follow it so the game can be as safe as it can be.”

Added St. John’s Shrewsbury coach Mike Mead, a fellow committee member, “The safety of the players should come first and foremost.”

Last October, former NHL player Adam Johnson, skating in a Champions Cup game in England, died from a neck laceration caused by an opposing player’s skate. His death opened eyes across the game, especially at youth and high school levels, that more enforcement of neck laceration protectors would help keep players safe.

Neck protectors can be sewn into an undershirt and range from $75 to $200. A neck guard collar can be priced from $20 to $40. If a player participates in USA Hockey, they will already have a neck laceration protector. Going forward, the purchase of neck protectors will be an expense that athletic departments will need to include in their budgets.

In the NFHS rule, if a player enters the game without a neck laceration protector or if it comes off during play, they will need to return to the bench. If a player refuses to wear the equipment, the team will be assessed a two-minute minor penalty. Goaltenders will also be required to sport the protector, although separately and under the throat protector…