Is it time for the NHL to make neckguards mandatory?

[Otto-matic]

IMO its time for the NHL to finally enforce players wearing neck guards. Another scary close incident tonight with Johnny and the skate to the neck.

The NHL is so interested in safety, yet they never address this. It’s so easy to make the players wear something that can prevent it.

[flamesfan1297]

I was talking to a minor hockey coach today who's team just went down to Montana for a tournament, he was saying even minor hockey teams down there don't have to wear neck guards FWIW

But I agree, they should be made mandatory. You'd have alot of pushback from the players though

[joejoe3]

It's no different than implementation of helmets, change has to happen somewhere and players will adapt. In the end it's all about their safety.

[CalgaryFan1988]

To be honest, I'm surprised it wasn't after the Malarchuk incident. Long overdue IMO

[You Need a Thneed]

I honestly can't believe that neck guards and full shields aren't mandatory.

[Ullr]

Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed

I honestly can't believe that neck guards and full shields aren't mandatory.

Would be a pretty awesome product on ice if they had full shields haha

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[Oil Stain]

If the made full face shields mandatory, they wouldn't have to call every chintzy/accidental high stick.

[TenaciousC]

I’m sure the NHL’ers would rather not look like peewees every time they hit the ice. These guys get paid millions...there’s always going to be a risk

[DeluxeMoustache]

Statistically? Meh.

[browna]

Last night the coward Pitlick looked up and saw Brouwer with the full mask and consciously seized the opportunity to nail him right in the face with a forearm and near headbutt because he had the facial protection. There’s a whole other set of problems if everyone starts wearing them.

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by browna

Last night the coward Pitlick looked up and saw Brouwer with the full mask and consciously seized the opportunity to nail him right in the face with a forearm and near headbutt because he had the facial protection. There’s a whole other set of problems if everyone starts wearing them.

That POS Pitlick should get a hearing from the safety committee, that's hit to the head and intend to injure.

And I totally agree whole other set of problems will arise, players will even more reckless.

[zamler]

I do believe it is time to make neckbeards mandatory.

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by flamesfan1297

I was talking to a minor hockey coach today who's team just went down to Montana for a tournament, he was saying even minor hockey teams down there don't have to wear neck guards FWIW

But I agree, they should be made mandatory. You'd have alot of pushback from the players though

They don't. When I was younger I played a tournament in Phoenix and the only other teams that had neckguards were the other Canadian teams. It's bizarre.

Grown men I can understand, but children not wearing them is insane.

I do think we'll see a day where neck guards and full cages are mandatory. That might not be a bad thing either.

[jlh2640]

I hated wearing one. And no. They don’t do enough to warrant it being mandatory.

[Northendzone]

how much safety stuff do you need to make mandatory? I am sure that almost all palyers in the NHL have played with neck guards on until they turned pro.

does the NHL need to make Kevlar socks mandatory? cups?

I think the players and equipment guys know what is out there for protection.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by TenaciousC

I’m sure the NHL’ers would rather not look like peewees every time they hit the ice. These guys get paid millions...there’s always going to be a risk

They might not rather it, but after a couple draft classes go through it, nobody will think that way anymore.

If anything, it could make the product more exciting for us. Players with more safety gear take more risks (don’t have a source, but I believe there is a study out there that shows correlation).

[Poe969]

You'd think more players would be doing whatever they can to protect themselves. I'd be wearing a Kevlar turtle neck and socks or a full body suit to prevent cuts and injuries.

[OmegaV4]

I'd be on board with that.

I wonder why players don't wear them right now to be honest.

[TenaciousC]

Originally Posted by OmegaV4

I'd be on board with that.

I wonder why players don't wear them right now to be honest.

Because they’re quite uncomfortable and not breathable, its like wearing a turtleneck. I remember as a player I couldn’t wait until junior so I didn’t have to wear it anymore

[Buff]

Does the CHL mandate neckguards for the younger players? I know not many players wear neckguards but I've seen some wear one... and they're tiny.