NHL Players Adjust to Mandatory Neck Guards at 2026 Olympics

The International Ice Hockey Federation voted to make neck guards mandatory at all international events after a player's death from a skate cut to the neck.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

For the first time since 2014, NHL players will compete for their countries at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. However, there will be a major visual difference from the NHL - every player will be required to wear a neck guard. The sport's governing body, the International Ice Hockey Federation, voted in December 2023 to make neck guards mandatory at all international events following the death of Adam Johnson from a skate cut to the neck during a game in England. While many NHL players haven't worn neck guards since youth hockey, they are adjusting to the new requirement ahead of the Olympics.

Why it matters

The mandate for neck guards at the Olympics comes in response to several high-profile skate-related injuries in hockey over the years, including the death of Adam Johnson. The fast pace of the modern game has increased the risk of such incidents, leading the IIHF to prioritize player safety. While the NHL has not yet made neck guards mandatory, the Olympics will serve as a testing ground for the new equipment requirement.

The details

The NHL and NHL Players' Association recently agreed to grandfather in the use of neck guards for incoming players starting next season, similar to how they handled the mandate for helmet visors in 2013. However, the vast majority of current NHL players have chosen not to wear neck guards voluntarily. The American Hockey League, one level below the NHL, is in its second season with mandatory neck guards, and USA Hockey implemented a mandate for players under 18 in 2024.

  • The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will be the first time since 2014 that NHL players will compete for their countries.
  • The International Ice Hockey Federation voted in December 2023 to make neck guards mandatory at all international events.
  • The death of Adam Johnson from a skate cut to the neck during a game in England in October 2023 prompted the IIHF's decision.

The players

Jeff Lazaro

A former Boston Bruins player in the 1990s who was selected for the U.S. team competing at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics.

Brady Tkachuk

A U.S. forward who said he hasn't worn a neck guard since youth hockey, but acknowledges "it's good" to wear one at the Olympics.

Mark Stone

A Canadian player who said the game has gotten so fast that "stuff happens at a high pace" and that the NHL is fortunate to have very prepared staff.

Auston Matthews

The U.S. captain who said the neck guard requirement is "an adjustment" but "not bad" and that players will get used to it once they start moving around on the ice.

Zach Werenski

A U.S. defenseman who is more accustomed to wearing a neck guard after doing so at the 2023 World Championships.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I haven't worn a neck guard since youth hockey. But it's good.”

— Brady Tkachuk, U.S. forward

“You've seen some horrible, horrible incidents around the globe. The game has gotten so fast, so stuff happens at a high pace ... We're very fortunate in the league that we play. Our staffs are very, very prepared, which I am very, very grateful for.”

— Mark Stone, Canadian player

“It can be an adjustment. It's not bad, honestly. I don't think many guys love it, but I think once you kind of get out there and you're moving around, you don't really notice it as much.”

— Auston Matthews, U.S. captain

“That was too hot. This isn't bad at all, though. It's a little bit warmer, maybe, but it feels fine.”

— Zach Werenski, U.S. defenseman

“A little warmer. Nothing too crazy, but everyone's trying to get used to it. Everyone's in the same boat.”

— Tom Wilson, Canadian player

What’s next

The NHL and NHL Players' Association will continue to monitor the use of neck guards at the 2026 Olympics as they consider making them mandatory for incoming players in the league.

The takeaway

The new neck guard requirement at the 2026 Olympics highlights the sport's ongoing efforts to prioritize player safety in the face of increasing speed and risk of skate-related injuries. While many NHL players are adjusting to the change, the Olympics will serve as a testing ground for the new equipment before potentially being adopted more widely in professional hockey.