EDEN PRAIRIE, Minnesota — USA Hockey is mandating neck laceration protection for all players under the age of 18. The move comes three months after the death of Minnesota native Adam Johnson.
Johnson, a forward for the Nottingham Panthers, died when his neck was cut by another player's skate.
USA Hockey's decision also applies to on-ice officials under 18 and any 19-year-old players at the boys, girls or junior level. The governing body for the sport in the U.S. also said it strongly recommends that adults wear neck protection. The new rule goes into effect Aug. 1.
"I know throughout our organization, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules related to neck laceration protection," said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. "We're also encouraged that the hockey industry is committed to continuing to work to improve the cut resistant products that protect players to help influence the safest possible landscape for the game."
Breakaway Academy, a private school for grades K-8 with locations in Eden Prairie and Chaska, has required its student-athletes to wear neck guards since Day 1.
"The students are expected to wear the neck guards as part of the protective gear just like they're wearing the hockey gloves, or the elbow pads, and it's meant for safety," said Dave Snuggerud, owner of Breakaway Academy and a former NHL player.
Nicholas Baranivsky, a 7th grader at Breakaway Academy who plays Wayzata PeeWee AA hockey, said he has worn neck guards ever since he started playing the sport. Baranivsky said looking back at all the teams he's played on, he estimates about half have worn neck protection.
"Safety is the main thing and that's why I've always been wearing one. Anything to protect you is important," Baranivsky said.
Teammate Blake Nerhus, also a Breakaway Academy 7th grader, said he's worn neck guards for a few years now.
"I think it's great because then everybody is safer. Then if they're cold, it keeps them warmer," Nerhus said.
"If you look back 15 years with the mouthguard coming into play that the kids were starting to wear... at first they weren't real comfortable with it," Snuggerud explained. "Now they all wear their mouthguards and they're used to the breathing, which was difficult back then."
Snuggerud said while not everyone will be happy about USA Hockey's decision, he believes that, like the mouth guard, players will adapt.
"Eventually there'll be other equipment. Achilles tendons are getting cut behind the ankles. So now there's going to be a required sock, eventually, down the road for better protection for our athletes too. So these are all good things to be able to protect our athletes, to make them safe, and make them enjoy the game of hockey," Snuggerud said.
Grace Gerebi, a 7th grader at Breakaway Academy, plays for 12U A Chaska Chanhassen Hockey Association. Gerebi said a majority of the team wears neck guards.
"I just think it's really important that people wear neck guards for safety," Gerebi said. "I've heard about stories where things happen and it's honestly really sad."
Her teammate, Audrey Nichols, agrees. Nichols, also a 7th grader, said they already are required to wear neck guards during district games.
"I always like to wear a neck guard because I don't want to get... a skate caught to my neck or anything like that. It just improves my safety," Nichols said. "I just feel more secure with the neck guard on."
The Minnesota State High School League was informed Sunday of USA Hockey's change in their rules.
In a statement, MSHL said, "The League follows the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations and operates within their rules, and with support from the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, Minnesota strongly recommends the use of this protective equipment in high school hockey. The NFHS Hockey Rules Committee meets this April and Minnesota, as well as North Dakota, have representation on this committee. 'Safety in all sports remains a primary concern for the League and the rules committee will review all information used by USA Hockey in making this change,' League Executive Director Erich Martens said. 'Should the NFHS approve the neck laceration protection requirement, the League will implement that requirement here in Minnesota.'"
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