Effective August 1, 2024, USA Hockey requires anyone under the age of 18 always wear Neck Laceration Protection or a "Neck Guard" on the Ice - for games and practices, including officials under 18 years of age.
https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1298379
Langford Park Parent Review: Neck Guards
My children have tried a variety of options of neck guards, here are some of their opinions along with my parent feedback.
- Warroad ($$$)
Tilo Pro Stock Neck & Wrist Top
https://warroad.com/products/copy-of-tilo-pro-stock-neck-wrist-top-sr-jr
One of my kids likes this one the best. While by far the most expensive (about $200), it is the most lightweight and breathable over the body. It also has the thickest but still softest (padded) neck protection. It is the only one (of these 3 reviewed here) that also includes wrist protection.
- Bauer ($$)
Long Sleeve Cut-Resistant Neck Protect Base Layer
https://www.bauer.com/products/bauer-longsleeve-neckprotect-youth
Also available at Pure Hockey
One of my kids likes this one the best. This is a great basic / standard choice and is often easy to find. It has Kevlar built in the neck protection and the armpits are more mesh/breathable while the rest of the shirt is athletic stretchy material. This shirt averages around $75, but can sometimes be found on sale.
- Shock Doctor ($)
Ultra 2.0 Neck Guard
https://www.shockdoctor.com/products/ultra-2-neck-guard?variant=39864385896620
This was the first trial neck guard I purchased and all of my children quickly dismissed it. While they keep it in their bag for emergency use, they really dislike wearing this style. While it is cheap, usually just $20 or less, you may end up fighting your child to keep it on and end up buying another option anyway.
Your child may fight with you on wearing this, but Coaches and Officials will not let anyone on the ice without protection, so find something they’ll wear. Other points to consider – I’ve seen the neck guard only style (3) fall off kids in games. I’ve heard some kids complain about the shirts being too hot – but I’ve observed some kids have cut the sleeves off and sort of made a tank top out of it.
