PWHL Mandates Neck Protection Following Player Death
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has announced a new rule mandating neck protection for all players starting this season. This significant player safety measure was implemented in response to the death of Hibbing native and University of Minnesota Duluth…
Duluth Superior, MN, November 5, 2026 — The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has implemented a new player safety mandate requiring all participants to wear neck protection. This policy is effective for the current season and represents a significant step in enhancing player safety within the league.
The decision to mandate neck guards comes in the wake of a tragic incident that led to the death of Adam Johnson. Johnson, a native of Hibbing and a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth, sustained a fatal neck injury during a game when his neck was cut by a skate.
The PWHL’s introduction of this rule aims to prevent similar incidents and underscores a growing focus on player well-being across professional hockey. While the specific type of neck protection is not detailed in the announcement, the requirement is for all players to wear it during gameplay.
The league has not provided further details regarding the timeline for compliance or any potential exceptions to the rule. The incident involving Adam Johnson, which occurred during a professional league game, brought renewed attention to the risks associated with open-skate blades and the need for adequate protective gear in hockey.
Further information on the implementation and specifics of the neck protection mandate is expected to be released by the PWHL as the season progresses. This measure aligns with increasing calls from players, coaches, and safety advocates for more comprehensive protective equipment standards in the sport.
Story summarized from the original created by John Shipley / St. Paul Pioneer Press on www.duluthnewstribune.com, see more information here.
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