On Friday, the American Hockey League (AHL) Board of Governors unanimously approved the mandatory use of cut-resistant neck protection by all of its players and on-ice officials, beginning with the upcoming 2024-25 season.

According to the statement, “All AHL skaters, referees and linespersons, regardless of age or experience, will be required to wear approved cut-resistant neck protection beginning this fall. Cut-resistant socks and wrist sleeves were previously mandated for AHL players and officials beginning with the 2023-24 season.”

There were no listed penalties on whether or not players or officials would be penalized for skating without the neckwear.

The hockey world was turned upside down when Hibbing native and former UMD Bulldog Adam Johnson died, after catching a skate blade to the neck in October.

The AHL joins the National Federation of State High School Associations and USA hockey in requiring neckwear.