Why are neck guards important?
Neck lacerations occur in hockey when a skate blade comes into contact with a player’s neck, usually when a player loses balance and uncontrollably swings a foot into another player’s neck. Neck injuries can also happen when a player steps on another player's neck. Lacerations can result in severe injury or even death due to damage to the nerves, airwaves, and critical blood vessels. To prevent these serious accidents from occurring, neck guards are worn around the neck and provide a barrier between the player’s neck and an errant skate blade. Neck guards are designed using cut-resistant materials, such as Kevlar, to protect the vulnerable areas of the neck while maintaining acceptable levels of comfort for the player.
How to find the correct size neck guard
It is important that you get the right fit for your neck guard, otherwise it won’t be protecting you to the fullest extent possible. The idea is to ensure that your neck, collarbones, and throat are well protected without constricting or restricting you from moving freely and comfortably. Based on size, neck guards are typically classified into four categories: junior neck guards, youth neck guards, intermediate neck guards, and senior neck guards. Junior neck guards (for players ages 13 and under) and senior neck guards (ages 15 and up) and can be easily adjusted using the loosening and tightening of a Velcro strap.
What are some of the best quality neck guards?
Some of the best manufacturers of hockey neck guards in the market include CCM and Bauer.
The Bauer Supreme Neck Guard will ensure that your neck and clavicle areas are protected during play while providing extra coverage to the collarbone. It comes with a reinforced plate for adequate player comfort. This guard is also infused with a moisture-wicking THERMO MAX liner that improves airflow while reducing bacteria build-up.
The CCM Shirt Style Pro Goalie Throat Collar is designed to protect the player’s collar, throat, sternum, and spine. This shirt-style neck guard offers a comfortable fit without hindering the player’s mobility or flexibility. It is constructed using durable mesh and ballistic nylon materials that facilitate adequate airflow while keeping the player dry during play.