The tragic death of former NHLer Adam Johnson in October 2023, when his neck was cut by an opponent's skate blade during a professional game in England, has sparked an important conversation about safety in hockey. While incidents like these are rare, they underscore the need for a greater focus on player protection and highlight the necessity of preventative measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
One person who has been at the forefront of hockey safety for years is Greg MacNeil, a safety expert and advocate for improved protective gear. MacNeil has spent over a decade dedicated to reducing the risks associated with skate lacerations and has invested significant resources into developing better equipment for hockey players. His work, driven by a genuine concern for player safety, has led to groundbreaking developments, especially in the area of cut-resistant neck guards and other protective gear.
MacNeil's journey began after a series of high-profile incidents in the hockey world that highlighted the dangers posed by skate blades. Inspired by the need for better protection, MacNeil partnered with Bonderkage, a company known for its innovative safety gear. Bonderkage's A9 neck guard, for example, offers a remarkable 300% increased resistance to cuts compared to its A5 line, setting a new standard in hockey safety. MacNeil firmly believes that if players were to wear this high-quality equipment, the risk of severe injuries would be dramatically reduced.
“The chances of being cut with an A9 neck guard are extremely low,“ MacNeil explains. “And in the unlikely event it happens, it would not be catastrophic.“ This level of protection, he argues, is not just a luxury but a necessity in a sport where players are routinely exposed to dangerous situations on the ice.
While there are other neck guards on the market, MacNeil emphasizes that the A9 is the gold standard when it comes to cut resistance. Bonderkage’s dedication to providing top-notch protection is evident, with their products tested and proven to offer superior defense against the very real threat of skate lacerations.
MacNeil's passion for hockey safety is not just about business; it’s about making the sport safer for all players. He notes that while there are numerous protective options available for other parts of the body, neck protection remains one of the most critical areas that needs attention. He advocates for a broader adoption of neck guards, not just in professional leagues but at every level of the game, from youth hockey to adult recreational leagues.
Despite the growing awareness of the risks posed by skate lacerations, many players still hesitate to wear protective gear. “I’ve got neck guards sitting there, and I thought, ‘If he was wearing that yesterday he’d be alive today,“ MacNeil said. “It’s an awful thing.“ However, the tragedy of Adam Johnson has reinvigorated the conversation around mandatory neck protection, with figures like Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser calling for mandatory neck guards at all levels of the game.
“We’ve gotta get through to that world,“ MacNeil said. “How many wake-up calls does it take?“ He points to recent efforts by leagues like the AHL and ECHL, which have mandated wrist and Achilles tendon protection for players starting this season. MacNeil is hopeful that this will be the first step toward more widespread safety regulations across all hockey leagues.
Bonderkage is leading the charge in this regard, with their products offering some of the most advanced safety features in the industry. The A9 line, in particular, stands out as a top choice for anyone serious about preventing skate-related injuries. As MacNeil puts it, “In 10 years, what we’re talking about now will be done,” he said. “There’ll be A9 built into everything. Whether it’s ours or Under Armour’s or Bauer’s, I don’t care. There might be 10 companies… and to me what that means is players are safer. More choice, more protection. Put it on and you won’t get cut. And the leagues will have to mandate it.“
While progress is slow, MacNeil remains optimistic and determined. He continues to work closely with equipment managers and league officials to get Bonderkage gear into the hands of players who need it most. “Winston Churchill is my hero: It’s just like, ‘Never, never give up,'“ he says. “So I’ve stayed on it, and I will stay on it until we get to where we need to be.“
Ultimately, the goal is simple: more choice, more protection. With companies like Bonderkage leading the way, players can make informed decisions about the safety equipment they wear, knowing that the best options are available to keep them safe on the ice. As MacNeil and others continue to push for change, the future of hockey safety looks brighter, and the hope is that no more preventable tragedies will occur.
You can find the full article and the following link: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5011673/2023/10/30/hockey-equipment-adam-johnson-death/
