USA Hockey announced a requirement on Sunday mandating neck protection for all youth players following the laceration death of professional hockey player Adam Johnson.

“The USA Hockey Congress today approved legislation requiring the use of neck laceration protection for players in all age classifications, other than adults, in games and practices, as well as for on-ice officials under the age of 18, effective August 1, 2024,” a release from America’s national ice hockey association read.

Protection against neck lacerations has been recommended by USA Hockey for many years, but an effort to mandate its use gained massive momentum when Johnson, 29, was killed after he was struck by an opponent’s skate blade in England’s Elite Ice Hockey League on Oct. 28. 

In November, USA Hockey officials charged the Safety and Protective Equipment Committee to initiate an effort to recommend rule changes regarding neck guards and protections against laceration injuries.

“Safety is always at the forefront of our conversations, and the action of our Congress today reflected that,” USA Hockey President Mike Trimboli said. “We appreciate the significant work done by our Safety and Protective Equipment Committee, led by Dr. Mike Stuart, and the many others who were instrumental in the overall evaluation process.”

USA Hockey Executive Director Pat Kelleher echoed Trimboli and said the new requirement is the product of an “overwhelming opinion” that the time for change had come.

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“We’re also encouraged that the hockey industry is committed to continuing to work to improve the cut-resistant products that protect players to help influence the safest possible landscape for the game,” Kelleher said.

USA Hockey has a history of backing cut-resistant socks, sleeves, or undergarments, and it also recommends that adult players wear protection for neck lacerations.