An electrochemical storage cell is disclosed. The cell includes a core having a cathode sheet, an anode sheet, and a separator sheet. The core is located snuggly within a shell having an open end. An end cap assembly is provided to close the open end. A terminal in electrical communication with one of the cathode sheet and the anode sheet extends through the end cap from an interior portion of the electrochemical storage cell to an external portion thereof. A protection cover that generally conforms to the outermost portions of the end cap assembly is provided and includes a first cover half having a first mating structure and a second cover half having a second mating structure for engagement with the first mating structure. The first and second cover halves are adapted for assembly with one another about the terminal.