IIHF to Require Neck Guards at 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced that neck guards will be mandatory for all players during the ice hockey competition at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The games are scheduled to take place from February 5 to 22, and this new safety rule is aimed at protecting players from serious injuries.

The decision follows the tragic death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson in October 2023. Johnson suffered a fatal injury when his neck was cut by a skate blade of another player during a league game. The incident shocked the ice hockey community and led to calls for stricter safety measures to prevent similar accidents.

While the IIHF did not immediately confirm the announcement when contacted by Reuters, it had previously mandated neck guards for all its competitions in December 2023. Before that, the protective gear was already required for under-18 and under-20 tournaments. However, a specific timeline for implementing the rule at the senior level had not been set due to concerns about equipment supply.

The new Olympic requirement aligns with the IIHF’s ongoing efforts to improve player safety at all levels of the sport. Neck guards are designed to reduce the risk of severe cuts and injuries from skate blades, pucks, and sticks. The protective gear is lightweight and worn around the neck, covering critical areas without limiting mobility, which makes it practical for professional ice hockey players.

In addition to the IIHF rule, the National Hockey League (NHL) will also introduce mandatory neck guards for players who join the league starting with the 2026-27 season. Players who have already played NHL games prior to that season will not be required to wear neck guards, according to reports from the Canadian platform Daily Faceoff. This phased approach is designed to allow players and teams time to adjust to the new equipment standards.

The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will be the first senior-level international event where neck guards are compulsory. Ice hockey competitions will feature men’s and women’s teams from top nations, and the rule is expected to improve safety without affecting the speed or intensity of the games. The IIHF has emphasized that player protection is a priority, especially after high-profile accidents that highlight the dangers of the sport.

The decision has been welcomed by many in the ice hockey community. Coaches, players, and medical experts have long advocated for stricter safety measures, especially for high-speed competitions where skate blades can cause life-threatening injuries. The introduction of mandatory neck guards at the Olympics will also set a global example, encouraging national leagues and youth programs to adopt similar safety rules.

The IIHF’s mandate of neck guards for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics represents a significant step forward in ice hockey safety. It honors the memory of Adam Johnson while providing players with essential protection. The rule ensures that athletes can compete at the highest level with a reduced risk of severe injury, making the sport safer for everyone involved.