The NCAA Division II and Division III Playing Rules Oversight Panel last week approved men’s and women’s ice hockey players being required to wear cut-resistant equipment, starting with the 2027-28 season. Currently, players have the option of wearing this type of equipment.
For the 2026-27 academic year, players are encouraged to wear protective equipment intended to protect the neck, wrist and ankle areas.
The rule change was approved earlier this summer for Division I men’s and National Collegiate women’s competition.
Previously, the Division III members of the Divisions II and III Playing Rules Oversight Panel supported a request by the NCAA Division III Management Council for comment on this proposal from the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports’ Prevention and Performance Subcommittee.
