Adam Johnson: Neck guards to be made mandatory in IIHF competitions

Invicta Dynamos players now wear neck guards during matches and training sessions

The International Ice Hockey Federation has said it will be mandatory for players to wear neck guards at all levels of their competitions.

The announcement follows the death of Nottingham Panthers forward Adam Johnson on 28 October.

Johnson was fatally hit in the neck by a skate during a match against the Sheffield Steelers.

The IIHF has taken the decision "on recommendation from its Medical Committee".

"Neck laceration protectors are now mandatory for the senior categories in addition to the U20 and U18 categories, for which neck laceration protectors had already been enforced as per IIHF Official Rule Book," said the IIHF.

The world governing body for ice hockey said the date for this mandate going into effect for senior categories will be determined by "supply situation" and it has "strongly recommended" protectors are worn by all players in IIHF competition in the meantime.

The IIHF, which oversees the sport at the Winter Olympics, World Championship and Continental Cup, is following in the footsteps of the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA).

The EIHA confirmed in October that wearing a neck guard will be mandatory during "all on-ice activities" from 2024 onwards.

However, the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), which is not under the control of EIHA, has decided against making neck guards mandatory.