In the fast-paced and physical sport of professional hockey, player safety is a key concern. The National Hockey League (NHL) has implemented various measures over the years to enhance player protection, from stricter rules on hits to the mandatory use of helmets. However, one piece of equipment that remains optional, but is gaining attention for its potential to prevent serious injuries, is the neck guard. As the debate over player safety intensifies, the question arises: should the NHL mandate neck guards for all players?

Neck injuries in hockey, while relatively rare, can be severe, and in some cases, life-threatening. Unfortunately, this was proven true by the death of former Pittsburgh Penguin, Adam Johnson, in a game for the Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL (Elite Ice Hockey League) on October 28^th, 2023. Without getting too graphic, Johnson’s neck was sliced open by the blade of an opposing player’s skate. Although fans are debating if the incident was an accident or intentional, his passing is and will remain tragic. The neck is a vulnerable area, exposed to fast pucks, sticks, and collisions along the boards. While some players have begun wearing neck guards following the incident, making them mandatory could provide a consistent level of protection across the league.

Those who support mandatory neck guards argue that they can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, especially in situations where players are struck by pucks or high sticks. The neck guard, typically made of cut-resistant materials, acts as a reliable barrier against lacerations. By making them mandatory, the NHL could send a clear message to fans and athletes alike about prioritizing player safety.

On the other side of the debate, people claim that the players should have the choice to decide what protective gear they wear. They argue that professional athletes are well aware of the risks associated with their sport and should be allowed to make their own choices regarding equipment, provided they follow the league’s established safety standards. Mandating neck guards, they argue, might be an unnecessary infringement on players’ individual freedoms and comfort preferences.

However, when considering the precedent set by the mandatory use of helmets, it becomes evident that player safety often trumps personal choice in professional sports. Helmets were once optional in the NHL, until a tragic incident involving player Bill Masterton in 1968 prompted the league to make their use mandatory. The move was initially met with resistance, but it is now universally accepted as a crucial safety measure.

The NHL has made strides in recent years to address player safety concerns, introducing rule changes to reduce dangerous hits and protect players from head injuries. Mandating neck guards could be viewed as a logical extension of these efforts, offering an additional layer of protection to players who put their bodies on the line during every game. The argument for neck guards also gains traction when looking at the experiences of other hockey leagues and international competitions where their use is mandatory. In many cases, these leagues have seen a decrease in neck and throat injuries, reinforcing the potential benefits of broader adoption.

While some argue that it may infringe on players’ freedom, the major concern should be the well-being of the athletes. The NHL has a responsibility to continually assess and implement measures that enhance player safety. Whether it’s through increased education, research, or equipment mandates, the league must prioritize minimizing the risk of severe injuries. The potential benefits of mandating neck guards, as evidenced by other leagues, suggest that it might be a necessary step toward a safer and more secure playing environment for professional hockey players. For those reasons, I think the NHL should mandate neck guards for the safety of its players.