AHL requires cut-resistant neckwear after hockey player's death

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts (AP) — The American Hockey League announced Friday that starting this season, all players and officials on all 32 teams will be required to wear cut-resistant neck protection.

AHL President and CEO Scott Howson said the league's board of directors unanimously approved the measure. It applies to all skaters and officials, regardless of age and experience. The league had mandated the wearing of cut-resistant socks and wrist cuffs a year ago.

The death of American ice hockey player Adam Johnson in 2023, who cut his neck on his skate during a game in England, has prompted leagues around the world to discuss ways to prevent such injuries, including a new requirement for young players in the U.S. Johnson, a former NHL player with Pittsburgh, was 29 years old.

Former Utica Comets hockey player Matt Petgrave has been charged with manslaughter in connection with Johnson's death.

Hockey Canada has required neck protection for youth players for three decades. The death of Connecticut high school player Teddy Balkind, who died in 2022 from a cut to the neck with a skate, brought the issue back to the forefront.

The International Ice Hockey Federation announced in December that it would require neck braces at all tournaments it hosts. The NHL currently has no requirement and this would be subject to negotiations between the league and the players' union.

The AHL was founded in 1936 and is the main development league for all 32 NHL teams.