The International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF made the decision at its meeting on Monday.
In its meeting on Monday, the International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF decided to make a neck protector a mandatory protective equipment for all competition series under it.
With the decision, the neck protector will become mandatory equipment in, for example, the men’s and women’s World Championships. Until now, its use has been voluntary in the games. Safety equipment was already mandatory in under-20 and under-18 matches.
No timetable has yet been given for the new regulation. The IIHF says that the schedule depends on the material suppliers.
The IIHF ruling does not apply to the NHL. In the North American professional series, the use of neck gear is still optional.
The safety gear that protects the neck made headlines after a former NHL player Adam Johnson died after an opponent’s skate cut his neck in a match in the English EIHL league.
Teemu Henritius of Jokerite presents his neck guard. Anni Saarela