The Ontario Hockey League is instituting equipment changes designed to make the game safer.
The league announced Wednesday that all players must wear soft cap shoulder and elbow pads for the upcoming season.
The change came after a review of safety issues and is designed to "limit the number of head injuries suffered each season," according to the league.
The OHL's board of governors also vows to hand out more punishment to players who repeatedly get caught throwing checks to the head.
The regular season starts on Sept. 21.