Mandatory neck protection comes to PWHL as league tweaks rules before upcoming season

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is mandating cut-resistant neck protection for all players starting with the 2026-27 season. This new rule is part of the league's rulebook updates. The neck protection will cost $5.77 plus GST every four weeks, rising to $19.95 plus GST every four weeks after 52 weeks. The league's offer is available to both new and returning subscribers, with the option to cancel at any time.

In addition to the new neck protection rule, the PWHL has also tweaked other aspects of its rules for the upcoming season. Players will now be allowed to bat the puck above their shoulder height without play being stopped. Furthermore, the league has provided clearer definitions of permitted and illegal body checks.

To ensure greater consistency, the PWHL is piloting a new overtime rule during all 12 pre-season scrimmages. In case of a minor penalty, the non-offending team will have the option of taking a penalty shot instead of a power play.

The league has also announced a reduced officiating team of 42 members for the new season, down from 59 officials in the 2025-26 season. This change aims to increase the number of games worked per official and promote greater consistency. Training camps for the officials open on November 18, with the regular season kicking off on December 5.