We have all read the horror stories of players having their wrists or necks cut by skate blades. As of August 1st, 2024, all USA Hockey registered players under 18 will be required to wear a neck shirt with a cut-resistant collar or strap-on neck collar shirt.
Washington Capitals star TJ Ohsie and his Warroad brand created their TILO shirt to protect players specifically from neck and wrist injuries.
Per its website ... Warroad describes TILO as follows: TILO™ by Warroad features built-in panels of cut-resistant Cutlon® material (wrists and ankles), constructed of Dyneema® yarn for a finished surface that's 15x stronger than steel but still soft, comfortable, and flexible. Gone are the days of career-ending injuries from blade cuts. Play with a new level of confidence and keep your head in the game, knowing you're protected more than ever. Note that TILO is very pricy at $199. But as the saying goes, you can't put a price on safety,
Similarly, Bauer Hockey has its neck protection shirt, which can be an essential component of safety gear for ice hockey players. These items help reduce the risk of injuries while allowing players to focus on their performance. At a lower price point on Amazon, the Bauer shirt provides the value option to the TILO, though the Bauer shirt is neck protection only.
Bauer's Neck Protection Shirt:
Purpose: Bauer, a well-known hockey equipment manufacturer, offers a neck protection shirt to reduce the risk of neck and throat injuries during play. Hockey is a physically demanding sport with high-speed collisions, so protecting the vulnerable neck area is crucial.
Design: Bauer's neck protection shirt typically features a built-in neck guard made of materials that can absorb impacts and provide cut-resistant protection. The shirt is made from moisture-wicking and breathable materials to keep players comfortable during intense games.
Fit and Comfort: Bauer emphasizes designing neck protection shirts that are comfortable to wear and don't restrict the player's movement. They are typically designed to fit snugly without being overly tight.
Regulations: In some leagues and organizations, neck protection is mandatory for players, especially at the youth and amateur levels. Bauer's neck protection shirt can meet these safety requirements while ensuring players can focus on their performance.
Innovation: Hockey equipment manufacturers like Bauer continually work on improving safety gear. They incorporate advanced materials and design features to enhance protection while maintaining comfort and mobility.
In summary, ice hockey skate protection and Bauer's neck protection shirt are vital safety components in ice hockey. They help prevent injuries, particularly those related to skate blades and impacts to the neck and throat area, allowing players to enjoy the game safely.
Don't want to buy an all-in-one shirt? There are also standalone neckguards, such as those produced by CCM, Bauer, and others. These strap-on neck collars tend to cost between $20 and $30.
Always ensure that any protective gear you use complies with the safety regulations of your league or organization for maximum protection.
Best,
Coach Kevin
