NOTICE TO CONSUMERS: HECC Neck Laceration Protector Expiration Date Correction

The Hockey Equipment Certification Council (“HECC”) is issuing this notice to consumers,
manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hockey organizations, and equipment managers
regarding the service life labeling of certain HECC-certified neck laceration protectors.

During a routine compliance review, HECC determined that the expiration or useful-life period
for certain neck laceration protectors was incorrectly communicated as seven (7) years from
the date of manufacture. The correct approved service life for HECC-certified neck laceration
protectors is five (5) years from the date of manufacture.

Consumer safety is HECC’s highest priority. Neck laceration protectors are subject to wear,
material degradation, repeated impacts, environmental exposure, and general deterioration
over time. For this reason, HECC certification standards require replacement after five years of
use from the date of manufacture, regardless of outward appearance or condition.

Consumers are encouraged to:

• Inspect their neck laceration protectors for the date of manufacture.
• Discontinue use of any HECC-certified neck laceration protector that is more than five years old.
• Replace expired equipment promptly.

HECC is working with manufacturers and industry partners to ensure future labeling and consumer guidance accurately reflects the five-year expiration period.

Questions regarding this notice may be directed to HECC at:
HECC General Counsel Ryan W. Miosek, Esq. via email at or call him at (802) 362-2240.

HECC appreciates the cooperation of consumers and industry participants in maintaining the highest standards of player safety.