Neck Guards will be Mandatory for all New NHL Players Beginning in 2026/27 Season.

HockeyNeckGuard.com – It has been announced that all NHL players making their NHL debut beginning in the 2026/2027 NHL season are required to wear a cut resistant hockey neck guard as part of the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NHL and NHL Players Association (NHLPA). Please note that this mandate only applies to players whom have not played at least 1 game in the NHL prior to the 2026/2027 hockey season.