IIHF to mandate neck guards for Olympics, worlds

The International Ice Hockey Federation is "making neck guards mandatory for all levels of competition in the tournaments it runs, including the Olympics and men’s and women’s world championships." The exact date for the IIHF neck guard mandate to go into effect "is still to be determined, based on the supply of neck guards available." The organization that governs hockey around the world made the move "based on the recommendation of its medical committee." The mandate "would not apply to professional leagues," including the NHL, which currently does not have any cut-proof safety requirements for players. The IIHF’s move comes after the death of Adam Johnson, whose neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England in late October (AP, 12/4).