DENVER (AP) – In the beginning, the protective undershirt that resembled a funny turtleneck was hot and uncomfortable. It even caused Jayson Megna’s visor to swell.
But the field hockey player stuck to wearing a long-sleeved base layer designed to protect his neck from the razor-sharp skate blade.
It has since died Adam Johnson in October 2023 During the game in England, defensive equipment became the main topic at all levels of the sport. The American Hockey League, the top league under the NHL, took a big step this season by requiring all skaters, referees and linesmen to wear some form of non-breaking neck protection.
Like the requirement for eye-protecting visors a decade ago, neckwear can take some getting used to. It is becoming increasingly common for players of all ages – Hockey Canada has approved neck guard protection for youth players for thirty years and USA Hockey made it mandatory for US players under 18 as of Aug. 1 – and now all eyes are on the experts.
“Hopefully that’s what’s going to happen as we move forward here, that it’s going to be a piece of their equipment,” said AHL president and CEO Scott Howson, whose league has long been an NHL scouting ground, including the 3. -3 overtime and the mandate of non-cut socks and sleeves last season. “With the different products available, hopefully all players can find something they can agree on and ultimately love – or, at the very least, not see when playing hockey.”
Johnson’s death was a terrible reminder of the dangers. The former NHL player was cut in the neck during the game as well He died in hospital. The guidelines exist for many youth programs in North America and beyond, but not at the highest levels of hockey, where league leaders and players have debated the topic for years.
The neck guards are getting a trial run in the AHL, starting Friday, with unanimous support from NHL officials on the competition committee.
“Last year some teams just decided, ‘Well, I can’t do it in the NHL, but I can do it in the American League,'” Howson explained. “We’ll see where it goes.”
Why not wear neck protection?
Arguments against protective neckwear range from being too hot to being too limited for players who are creatures of habit.
“Obviously, there are things that people have to do, but I think we’re still in our ways,” said New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, who added that he doesn’t wear nearly enough protective gear. “You have to relax.”
Longtime NHL player Pierre-Edouard Bellemare had planned to wear a neck guard this season for the Colorado Avalanche before he was let go last week. He touted the benefits of visors by pointing out his beard cuts would have been worse if not for eye protection.
Because on ice, anything can happen.
“The game is fast and out of control, sometimes in your body and being cut all over is not something you want to see,” said Bellemare.
Bellemare just wanted to pave the way for the next generation, just like other players before him with visors.
“It doesn’t cost me a lot” to wear a neck brace, Bellemare said. “Come on, neck guard. That won’t change my season. I won’t get 70 because I have a neck guard or not.”
Veteran defenseman Dylan McIlrath, who captained Hershey to back-to-back Calder Cup championships in the AHL, didn’t try to protect his neck during practice in Washington and admits players will experience growing pains with the equipment. But the 32-year-old is not protesting much.
“Honestly, I think it’s probably the right call,” McIlrath said. “Obviously it’s a minor league and the next generation is coming up … guys can adjust to the NHL after playing in the American League for a few years, they don’t really see the changes.”
Checking things out
Megna, who was recently assigned to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, has tried different types of neck protection and products. He’s wearing one by TJ Oshie’s Warroad Hockey Apparel that boasts an “adjustable neck collar made from a tough, high-quality cut fabric and high-impact foam.” His undershirt has cut-off sleeves.
Megna also wears protective socks, which prevented a possible calf or Achilles injury last season when a player stepped on him with a skate blade.
“I could feel the skate there – I felt like I was burning, and the protective sock saved me,” Megna said. “I didn’t have a scratch. … Anytime you can protect your players and increase safety, it’s a good thing.”
Megna said it didn’t take long to get used to the new gear – maybe a session or two.
“After that, I didn’t think about it,” said Megna, who has spent time with half a dozen NHL organizations. “It’s part of what I wear now.”
Against the NHL
The NHL does not currently have a mandate that players must wear hard gear. That would require an agreement between the division and the union.
The player from St. Louis Robert Thomas understands doubt.
“For a lot of guys, it’s out there, and you don’t want to change what you’ve been doing all your life,” Thomas said. “I think they did a good job of having all of that for us. Some guys don’t wear it, some don’t. I think giving the boys a choice is the right decision.”
Eagles defenseman Jacob MacDonald expects that once he starts wearing the extra neck protection, it will be part of his routine — whether he’s in the AHL or called up to the NHL.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think it will be very popular,” said MacDonald. “If it saves one life, it’s worth it.”
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AP Sportswriter Mark Anderson and freelance writer WG Ramirez in Las Vegas contributed. Whyno reported from Arlington, Virginia.
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