What Is A Neck Guard And Why Are Hockey Players Wearing It At The 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics are currently underway, and hockey fans around the world are counting down the days until the men’s tournament begins. Excitement is especially high because this marks the first time since 2014 that NHL players are taking part in the Olympics. While fans wait for the men’s games to start, attention has already turned to the women’s hockey tournament, which is in full swing.

However, during women’s games and clips from men’s practices, many fans noticed something unusual. Several players are wearing a piece of equipment that is rarely seen in NHL games. Players are wearing neck guards under the jersey collar for extra protection, which has quickly become a talking point.

What Is a Neck Guard?

A neck guard is a cut resistant piece of protective gear designed to reduce the risk of serious injury from skate blades or sticks. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, neck protection is not optional. It is now mandatory at all International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) competitions.

In previous Winter Olympics that featured NHL participation, neck guards were optional, and many players chose not to wear them. That has changed following the tragic death of Adam Johnson in 2023. Johnson died after a skate blade cut his neck during an Elite Ice Hockey League game in England.

A few months after Johnson’s death, the IIHF Council mandated the use of neck laceration protectors across all levels of international competition. As a result, every player at the 2026 Winter Olympics is required to wear one.

Players Still Adjusting to Neck Guards