The devastating reality of skate blade lacerations to the neck has always been a haunting concern in hockey. When we saw the tragic news of Adam Johnson's passing in October 2023, it lit a fire under us. At For the Love of Hockey, we knew it was time to push for real change.

“In my game an opposing player got sent off in an ambulance needing MULTIPLE stitches/care because of a neck cut… I can’t sit back anymore because I care about the whole hockey community.”- For the Love of Hockey Ambassador

Watch the original reel here.

For decades, neck guards were often regarded as a nuisance, especially in higher levels of play. There was this old-school mindset, a sense that they were cumbersome or simply not "tough" enough. But we believed that truly loving the game meant protecting every player, especially the kids just starting out.

“My heart is broken… thanks for educating me on neck guards and the importance of them.”- For the Love of Hockey Follower

“I can’t believe they’re not everywhere. We had a close call on my son’s team one year, but [the] neck guard saved the day.”- For the Love of Hockey Follower

Our social media campaign wasn't just about sharing sad news; it was about sparking a movement. We used Instagram to educate and advocate. We shared powerful stories, not just of tragedies, but of near-misses where neck guards literally saved lives. We transformed abstract risks into compelling reasons for change. This relentless online presence created a huge groundswell of support, uniting parents, coaches, and fans.

“In Austria it’s a rule to wear a neck guard for every child/youth player [it has been] as long as I can think of. I’m actually a bit shocked it wasn’t everywhere else.”- For the Love of Hockey Follower

“Wait, youth hockey players in the US haven’t been wearing neck guards??!”- For the Love of Hockey Follower from Canada

The impact of this grassroots pressure was undeniable, creating a ripple effect from the bottom of the hockey pyramid upwards. USA Hockey heard us loud and clear. It swiftly announced that as of August 1, 2024, neck laceration protection would be mandatory for all players under 18 in games and practices. This was a monumental win, directly reflecting the power of our advocacy. It showed a fundamental shift in how the sport viewed youth safety. When an 11-year-old player in Casper was likely saved by a mandated neck guard after taking a skate to the neck in March 2025, the incident cemented the vital importance of this new rule.

The Push Towards the Top

“The movement happening is incredible. Thanks for sharing and for your advocacy. I took for granted that the USA hockey and NHL organizations as a whole haven’t made neck guards mandatory.”- For the Love of Hockey Follower

While professional leagues like the NHL have been slower to adopt mandates for current players, the seismic shift we helped create at the youth level has built undeniable pressure from the bottom up. Kids growing up now will always wear neck guards, fundamentally changing the culture of the sport. This makes the idea of optional neck protection at the highest levels seem more and more outdated. Although the NHL hasn't mandated them for all current players, their recent decision to require neck guards for all new players entering the league from the 2026-27 season onward is a clear sign that our advocacy, and the growing awareness of safety, is undeniably influencing even the sport's pinnacle.

Modern neck guards, often made with advanced cut-resistant materials, are designed to significantly reduce the risk of severe lacerations. It's not just about the equipment; it's about fostering a culture of safety that runs through every level of the game. Our journey at For the Love of Hockey is a testament to what passionate individuals can achieve when they unite for a common cause. We believe that by protecting our players, we truly show our love for the game.