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A S K D R . H O C K E Y T H E D O C I S I N A N D R E A D Y T O A N S W E R Y O U R H O C K E Y Q U E S T I O N S No Neck Left Behind Proper Neck Protection Requires The Right Equipment, But Many Players Still Don't Get It Right g By Charles A. Popkin, MD Dan, great question! The short answer is yes, neck laceration protectors can reduce the risk of injury from a skate blade, but only when they are properly designed, sized, and worn. The longer answer is a bit more nuanced. Understanding the purpose of neck laceration protectors (NLPs) is vital. Modern NLPs use cut-resistant materials to reduce the risk of skate blades causing serious injury. While no equipment is completely cut-proof, HECC or BNQ -certified products can help prevent life-threatening injuries. The vulnerable area below the jawline (mandible) down to the collarbone (clavicle) contains some of the body's most critical structures. NLPs provide variable coverage, and the amount of exposed neck is also dependent on individual player anatomy. Some athletes have a longer "giraffe-neck" with greater surface area at-risk. Other players have a shorter "turtle-neck", so the equipment overlap provides better coverage. In addition, a poorly fitted or loose NLP gives a false sense of protection. The takeaway here is simple: Neck Laceration Protectors are not a one-size- fits-all product. One company's NLP may leave a large, exposed area on one player and cover another teammate's neck perfectly. Neck lacerations from skate blades are rare, but using quality gear can reduce both the risk and severity of injury. The aim is to choose an NLP that covers as much of the vulnerable neck area as possible and fits the player's anatomy. P Do you think neck lacer- ation protectors actually do anything? Seems to me like there is a lot of skin around the neck still showing with some of the built-in shirts. Do NLPs work or is it just for show? – Dan Miller, Minneapolis A Q PHOTOS COURTESY USA Hockey Archive 10 // MARCH 2026 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM