The IIHF has made neck guards mandatory for the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament. Titan BattleGear’s A9 cut-resistant, fully-integrated protection is built for this moment.
HOCKEY INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
The Ideas That Shape The Future of Our Industry
The Truth About A2/A3 Neck Guards: Why Hockey Players Need Real Cut Protection (ANSI A9)
If you’re a hockey parent or coach, you’ve probably bought a neck guard and felt like you were “doing the right thing” or “checking the required box.” You picked something that met the safety standard and figured that was enough....
The truth about hockey neck guards: why most don’t actually protect you
Most hockey parents assume the gear on store shelves is built to protect their kids. Our Founder & CEO, Andries de Villiers, thought the same – until the day he tested his son’s neck guard with a box cutter. The...
What is an ANSI cut rating? A simple guide for hockey players and parents
Not all “cut-resistant” hockey gear is created equal. This guide breaks down what ANSI cut ratings really mean (from A1 to A9) and explains how most hockey apparel brands fall short because they weren’t built for protection in the first place. Learn how A9-rated Titanotex™ fabric sets a new safety standard.
Why cut resistance matters more than you think in hockey
Discover why ANSI A9 cut-resistant fabric is the gold standard in hockey safety and how Titan BattleGear’s Titanotex™ keeps players protected
Is Titan BattleGear HECC Certified? Yes.
Titan BattleGear is the first major hockey brand to bring HECC-certified cut-resistant neck guards to market. Our products have passed rigorous third-party testing and now carry the official HECC mark, giving players and parents confidence that Titan meets the highest U.S. safety standard for neck protection.
The new fit: 5 improvements to youth Titan BattleGear
We listened to your feedback and redesigned youth Titan BattleGear for a sharper fit and greater protection. From a higher collar to tapered sleeves, these 5 upgrades make the safest shirt in hockey even better.
Titan BattleGear’s safety approvals & certifications
Titan BattleGear is cleared for use in the NHL, USA Hockey, and international leagues. This page covers where our neck guards are approved for play.
Titan BattleGear cleared for NHL use
Titan BattleGear is officially cleared for NHL use – bringing elite-level cut resistance and full-coverage neck protection to the highest level of hockey.
Everything you need to know about BNQ certification for hockey neck guards
Think BNQ certification is enough? Here’s the ultimate guide every hockey parent needs to understand what it really takes to protect your player’s neck.
Titan BattleGear vs. Bauer Hockey Neck Guards
Bauer may be the most recognized name in hockey gear, but does it deliver the safety today’s players need? In this deep dive, we compare Bauer’s neck guard shirts to Titan BattleGear across critical categories like cut resistance, comfort, coverage, and sustainability. If you're deciding between tradition and innovation, this review will help you make the call – with no fluff, just facts.
Titan BattleGear vs. CCM Hockey Neck Guards
CCM is a staple in hockey gear – but when it comes to neck protection, does it keep up with new innovations? We put Titan BattleGear and CCM neck guard shirts head-to-head across the metrics that matter most: cut resistance, coverage, comfort, materials, customization, and sustainability. This in-depth comparison breaks down the differences to help you choose the safest and most high-performing neck guard.
Titan BattleGear vs. Shock Doctor Hockey Neck Guards
Shock Doctor might be a leader in mouthguards, but how does their neck guard shirt hold up in real hockey conditions? In this no-holds-barred review, we compare Titan BattleGear vs. Shock Doctor on cut resistance, protection, comfort, fit, and materials. If you’re wondering whether Shock Doctor’s lower price is worth the trade-offs in safety, this guide gives you the facts – no spin, just side-by-side performance.
The Mayo Clinic put hockey neck guards to the test – and most failed
A Mayo Clinic study put popular hockey neck guards to the test – and the results were alarming. Most guards failed to stop a skate blade at real-game impact levels. The only ones that held up were those made with advanced materials rated ANSI A6 or higher. Here’s why that matters, and how this very study helped spark the creation of Titan.
“We thought the neck guard was enough – until it wasn’t.”
After her daughter’s terrifying accident on the ice, one hockey mom realized a standard neck guard wasn’t enough – and found Titan.
Best neck guards for youth hockey players – 2025 guide
Most hockey neck guards barely meet the minimum safety standards, but your kid deserves real protection. This guide cuts through the noise to reveal the best youth hockey neck guards of 2025, including the only option built to stop a full-speed skate blade.
Would you trust a cardboard hockey helmet? Then why trust any neck guard?
If you’re a hockey parent, you’d never let your kid step on the ice wearing a helmet made of cardboard. It’s an absolutely absurd thought. It could look like protection but offers none. Yet, thousands of parents unknowingly make a...
How to convince your hockey team to upgrade their safety standards
Hockey is one of the fastest, hardest-hitting sports on the planet. It’s also one of the most dangerous. Players rip across the ice at over 20 mph, wearing razor-sharp skate blades that can slice through skin, muscle, and even arteries in...
The hockey neck guard debate: safety vs. style on the ice
Hockey is a game of skill, speed, and grit, but it also carries inherent dangers. Among them, the risk of a skate blade laceration to the neck is one of the most severe. The tragic death of former NHL player...
A hockey parent’s guide to choosing the right neck guard
Most neck guards fail to provide real protection. Learn why A8/A9 cut resistance is the only standard that matters and how to choose a secure, high-performance neck guard for your player. Don’t gamble on safety.
Hockey injuries are on the rise, and so is the risk of laceration
Hockey is getting faster, and so is the risk of injuries. A study found over 20,000 hockey-related ER visits per year, with lacerations being the most common injury. Neck injuries are a growing concern, especially among youth players. Titan Battlegear is changing the game with real cut-resistant protection that players can trust.
What ANSI cut levels mean and why they matter in hockey
ANSI cut levels can mean the difference between a close call and a devastating injury in hockey. Most so-called "cut-resistant" hockey shirts barely slow down a skate blade, leaving players vulnerable. In this guide, we break down what ANSI cut ratings really mean and why most hockey gear falls short.
Why hockey neck guards aren't enough, and what you need instead
Are traditional neck guards really keeping hockey players safe? Most provide a false sense of security, relying on flimsy foam and poor fit that won’t stop a skate blade. In this guide, we break down the dangers of outdated neck protection and why real cut-resistant technology is the future of hockey safety. Don’t settle for “good enough” when it comes to protection.
Hockey Neck Guard: Things to Know
When stepping onto the ice, hockey players face a myriad of risks, with one of the most serious being neck lacerations caused by skate blades. That's where the hockey neck guard comes into play, offering a critical layer of protection...
Does USA Hockey Require Neck Guards? A Comprehensive Update for 2024
As the sport of hockey evolves, so do the rules and regulations aimed at improving player safety. One area receiving increased attention is neck protection, particularly in light of tragic incidents involving skate blade injuries. For many hockey players, the...
What Percentage of NHL Players Wear Neck Guards?
After a near-fatal skate blade injury to his son, New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is pushing for neck guard mandates – and considering making them mandatory for his team. With fewer than 10% of NHL players wearing neck protection today, this article explores why change is coming, and why now.
What Is a Hockey Neck Guard For? Understanding Its Role and Importance
In the fast-paced and physical world of hockey, safety is paramount. Among the various pieces of protective equipment, the hockey neck guard plays a crucial role in safeguarding players from serious injuries. But what exactly is a hockey neck guard...
Why Don’t Hockey Players Wear Neck Guards? Understanding the Resistance
While hockey is known for its physicality and the high level of protective gear worn by players, neck guards remain one of the least adopted pieces of equipment, especially at the professional level. Despite the potential safety benefits, many players...
Are Neck Guards Worth It in Hockey? An In-Depth Look at Their Benefits and Drawbacks
As the sport of hockey continues to evolve, so does the conversation around player safety. One piece of equipment that has gained significant attention is the neck guard. Designed to protect players from potentially life-threatening injuries, neck guards are increasingly...
Do Any NHL Players Wear a Neck Guard? Exploring the Growing Trend
In recent years, the discussion around player safety in the NHL has intensified, particularly regarding using neck guards. While the NHL does not mandate neck guards, an increasing number of players are choosing to wear them. This blog explores why...
Understanding the difference between EN 388 and ANSI cut resistance standards
Understanding the ANSI and EN 388 standards is essential to knowing whether your gear offers real cut protection or just the illusion of it.
How cut-resistant hockey gear evolved: comparing Kevlar, aramids, and Titanotex™
From Kevlar vests to Titanotex™ performance fabrics, hockey safety gear has come a long way. This post breaks down how cut-resistant technology evolved – from rigid industrial fibers to purpose-built A9 protection engineered for real players on the ice.
The importance of neck protection in hockey
In the fast-paced, physical sport of hockey, player safety is paramount. One crucial yet often overlooked area is neck protection. This article explores the importance of neck protection, the types of injuries it can prevent, and the new USA Hockey...


































