Ohio State celebrates a goal scored by Max Montes (16). Ohio State lost to Michigan State 6-2 on January 9, 2026. Credit: Cassandra D’Angelo | Sports Photo Editor. The Ohio State women’s hockey team celebrate after beating Northeastern University 5-0 on March 20, 2026. Courtesy of: Ohio State Athletics.
Army West Point men’s hockey player Eric Huss suffered a life-threatening injury in January 2023, when an opposing player’s skate blade cut his neck during an open ice collision, causing a severe neck laceration.
Emergency surgery saved his life and now the NCAA is taking a step to reduce the chance of similar injuries in collegiate hockey.
Beginning in the 2027-28 season, Division I men’s and National Collegiate women’s hockey players will be required to wear cut-resistant equipment such as neck guards, forearm sleeves and socks, intending to reduce the risk of skate-cut injuries.?
The mandate marks the NCAA’s latest step in a push toward greater player safety. In 2024, the association strengthened penalties for contact to the head and adjusted rules on checking from behind, while also expanding the use of video review for major penalties. In 2026, it decided that teams may use devices for physiological health and safety tracking on the bench.
Ohio State men’s ice hockey head coach Steve Rohlik said anything the sport can do to keep athletes safe is important and he hopes the athletes realize the importance of its usage.
“Our guys have been offered this type of equipment for a while now,” Rohlik said. “We’ve always provided it if they would like it, so we do have guys who have already worn it.”
Buckeye senior forward Ryan Gordon said the NCAA’s decision did not come as a surprise since the equipment is already required in the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League development camps this year.
Comfort is a factor in protective equipment, and technological advances have changed what players wear, Gordon said. Neck guards are now incorporated into some long-sleeve undershirts, while the equipment itself has also become lighter and cooler over time.
“As time has gone on, it’s become lighter and cooler, so as [manufacturers] continue to improve that, I think more guys will be willing to wear it,” he said.
Equipment companies have continued to find ways to improve protection without sacrificing performance.
“Guys want to go out there and feel comfortable, but also understand that they have the best equipment,” Rohlik said. “Equipment companies continue to put out safer equipment, which makes it better for our athletes.”
Not all players are happy with the mandate, however.
“The guys that are against the equipment aren’t going to wear it unless they’re required to,” Gordon said. “If you don’t mind wearing it, you’re going to wear it, and if you don’t like it, you’re going to wait as long as possible until you have to.”?
Players are recommended, but not required, to wear the cut-resistant equipment to protect neck, wrist and ankle areas for the 2026-27 season.?
The mandate will apply to both men’s and women’s Ohio State ice hockey programs when it takes effect in 2027-28. Ohio State women’s hockey was not available for comment in time for publication.
