Equipment Guidelines & Questions
NEW!! Neck Laceration Protection Requirement
ALL PLAYERS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR NECK LACERATION PROTECTION FOR GAMES AND PRACTICE!!!
USA Hockey Congress Approves Requirement For Neck Laceration Protection Starting August 1
By USA Hockey, 01/28/24, 9:30AM MST
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA Hockey Congress today approved legislation requiring the use of neck laceration protection for players in all age classifications, other than adults, in games and practices, as well as for on-ice officials under the age of 18, effective August 1, 2024. For clarity, the requirement includes players in the youth, girls and junior age classifications.
USA Hockey has long recommended the use of neck laceration protection, as well as cut-resistant socks, sleeves or undergarments. The USA Hockey Board of Directors asked the organization’s Safety and Protective Equipment Committee in November 2023 to begin the process of recommending potential rule changes related to neck laceration protection.
“Safety is always at the forefront of our conversations and the action of our Congress today reflected that,” said Mike Trimboli, president of USA Hockey. “We appreciate the significant work done by our Safety and Protective Equipment Committee, led by Dr. Mike Stuart, and the many others who were instrumental in the overall evaluation process.”
“I know throughout our organization, the overwhelming opinion was that the time is appropriate to modify our rules related to neck laceration protection,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “We’re also encouraged that the hockey industry is committed to continuing to work to improve the cut resistant products that protect players to help influence the safest possible landscape for the game.”
The legislation passed today also strongly recommends use of neck laceration protection by adult players.
It is often suggested that shirts be worn over the collar because they tend to provide more comfort, allow for better movement, and remain in place more effectively.
Brands of Protective Shirts
- Bauer
- CCM
- Shock Doctor
- Sherwood
- Skate Tech
- Warroad
- and More....
MOUTHGUARDS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL GAMES!!
MIHOA Neck Laceration Protection Guidelines
The following guidelines should be used for only the 2024-25 hockey season starting on 8/1/24 to determine if a neck laceration protector is acceptable to wear in a USA Hockey sanctioned game.
All neck laceration protectors must be commercially manufactured for the purpose of neck protection of skaters during a game. They must be worn in the manner for which they were designed and cannot be altered in any way.
Further:
- The common foam neck-loop, turtleneck shirt or dickey-collar neck protector are acceptable.
- Hanging goalkeeper throat protectors do not serve as a substitute for a neck laceration protector.
- If a player (including goalkeeper) loses their neck laceration protector during play it is treated the same as a mouthpiece. Play shall be allowed to continue until the next stoppage. At which point the player must replace the equipment or be substituted for by a teammate.
- If a player enters the game (during a stoppage) while missing a neck laceration protector they will be ordered back to their team bench and substituted for. Furthermore, the team will be issued an equipment violation warning, and any further equipment violation by a player on that team will result in a misconduct penalty.
- A head sweatband or common turtleneck shirt will not satisfy this rule. Game officials are instructed to use good judgement while determining if the equipment is legal, and to always err on the side of protecting the player.
Priory Equipment and Jersey Information
Ensuring all your hockey equipment fits properly is key to staying safe while playing. Thomas Hanson is managing jerseys provided by Priory for all the teams. He is also available to assist with any other equipment-related inquiries or issues with skates.
The hockey room at Hanson's is equipped with a professional-grade skate sharpener, and he is adept at repairing rivets and sharpening skates.
For any questions, Thomas Hanson can be reached at Stlprioryhockeyclub@gmail.com