The world of hockey, a sport known for its speed, power, and intense physicality, is also a place where player safety is of growing concern. In an eye-opening discussion on NHL Network Radio, Gord Stellick and Dave Poulin sat down with Greg MacNeil, a key figure in the development of cutting-edge protective gear aimed at preventing life-altering injuries in hockey. Their conversation focused on the evolution of protective equipment, the importance of player awareness, and how tragedies like the death of Adam Johnson are pushing for necessary change within the sport.
Gord Stellick began the conversation with a personal anecdote, recalling when he first met Greg MacNeil years ago at a chicken wing restaurant in Toronto. Fast-forward to today, and MacNeil is at the forefront of hockey safety innovation, developing advanced protective gear through his partner company, Bonderkage. This gear, which includes everything from neck guards to wrist and shin protection, is designed to prevent the type of gruesome injuries that have tragically marred the careers of players like Adam Johnson.
MacNeil, deeply passionate about hockey safety, revealed that this journey has been a lifelong pursuit. "This has been your whole life trying to prevent something that happened to Adam Johnson," Gord Stellick remarked. For MacNeil, it was a deeply personal mission. After witnessing a series of injuries, including the high-profile accidents of NHL players like Erik Gudbranson and Dave Bolland, he became determined to improve player safety through better protective gear.
MacNeil discussed how things have evolved in the last decade, moving from using heavy titanium to lighter, more comfortable materials. These improvements have made the protective gear not only more effective but also more wearable. The key innovation is A9 cut protection, the highest level of protection available for players, which is now available in lightweight fabrics that players can comfortably wear throughout a game.
"We've evolved," MacNeil said, referencing how the equipment has shifted towards lighter materials that can't be cut during normal play, offering the ultimate in player protection without sacrificing comfort. These advancements are significant because, in the past, players often resisted wearing protective gear due to concerns about discomfort or superstition.
Dave Poulin, a former player and coach, provided valuable insight into the challenges of implementing these safety measures at the highest levels of hockey. Poulin spoke about how, as a coach, he became acutely aware of the dangers players face due to the speed and power of the game. While players may feel invincible on the ice, as a coach, you see the potential for injury more clearly.
"The biggest challenge now is awareness," MacNeil explained. "We really appreciate being on your show with Dave, and happy to have the opportunity [to talk about it]." In leagues like the AHL and ECHL, where mandates for protective gear have been enacted, players are required to wear gear like Bonderkage’s A9 cut protection. But in the NHL, where players often have more freedom to choose their equipment, changing attitudes toward safety remains a hurdle. Player comfort and superstition play a significant role in whether players adopt these safety measures.
Despite these challenges, thanks to A9 cut protection the conversation is slowly shifting. MacNeil has been able to work with several NHL teams to get them to test his products, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. For example, the New Jersey Devils’ equipment manager Chris "Frosty" Scoppetto ordered 60 pairs of pants with integrated cut protection, highlighting the growing demand for safer options among NHL players.
The conversation took a poignant turn as the group discussed the tragic death of Adam Johnson, a reminder of the real-life consequences of ignoring safety innovations. Johnson, a player in the UK, tragically passed away after being cut by a skate. While the gear MacNeil and his team developed may not have prevented this specific incident, it could have mitigated the severity of the injury.
MacNeil stressed that the importance of protective gear should not just be limited to professional leagues like the NHL. He pointed out that the United States Hockey Association (USA Hockey) has not yet mandated neck guards, despite the tragic passing of a young player in Connecticut from a similar injury. This is an area where more must be done to protect youth players, he argued, as they make up a far larger percentage of hockey participants than professional athletes.
"It's preventable," MacNeil said, referencing the tragedy. He also emphasized the importance of young players growing up with a mindset of wearing protective gear as part of the game, similar to how they would wear shin guards or elbow pads.
One of the key developments in the conversation was the growing movement toward global safety standards in hockey. MacNeil shared that countries like Germany and England are already mandating neck guards for players. In fact, Switzerland, under the leadership of Ryan Gardner, has already begun implementing such safety measures. This momentum is critical in ensuring that player safety becomes a global priority.
"I think that's changing and growing, and this show will help awareness, and we just have to keep at it." MacNeil remarked. He is optimistic that, just like helmets and visors became standard equipment, neck guards and other safety gear will soon become commonplace in the sport. His work is evidence of that progress, as they’ve become a leader in developing the highest level of cut protection available.
As the conversation wrapped up, Gord Stellick reiterated the importance of education and awareness, noting that players, parents, and coaches must be informed about the best protective equipment available. MacNeil pointed out that Bonderkage is constantly improving its products, ensuring that players have the choice to protect themselves with the most advanced technology.
The next step is spreading this awareness to the wider hockey community. The future of hockey safety depends on players, teams, and governing bodies recognizing the importance of innovation and the role of protective equipment in safeguarding players.
For anyone interested in learning more about Bonderkage’s products and the importance of hockey safety, Greg MacNeil directed listeners to the company’s website, bonderkage.com.
In conclusion, Greg MacNeil, with the help of NHL veterans like Dave Poulin and the growing network of equipment managers, is making significant strides in improving the safety of players at all levels. The conversation may have started with tragedy, but it continues with an optimistic commitment to change. The future of hockey safety looks brighter, thanks to these innovations and the efforts of those like Bonderkage and MacNeil, who are dedicated to protecting the players who push this great sport forward.
