Effective immediately all MAHA players are required to wear a neck guard during all practices and games. Coaches will ask players to go back to the locker room and get their neck guard if they show up on the ice with out it.

Neck guards are a simple way to prevent a potentially life-threatening injury.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to MAHA's Player Safety Coordinator, Krysta Laroche, vsaha@middhockey.com,  or any other board member.

If you are unsure what a neck guard is or where to buy them, we have listed a few options below. Most hockey retailers have them, as well as Play It Again Sports (Blue Mall in South Burlington) and Kevin Smith Sports (Williston Road in South Burlington).

If you are curious why this is now becoming a requirement, attached is a link to a recent NPR article about the recent death of a former Pittsburgh Penguins player who died after being cut in the neck by a skate. Demand for neck guards soars after hockey player's death : NPR

The USA Hockey Concussion Management Protocol and most state statutes require that an athlete be removed from any training, practice or game if they exhibit any signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion or are suspected of sustaining a concussion. The player should not return to physical activity until he or she has been evaluated by a qualified medical provider who has provided written clearance to return to sports.

This form is to be used after an athlete has been removed from athletic activity due to a suspected concussion and must be signed by their medical provider in order to return without restriction to training, practice or competition.