Johnston: Hockey equipment expert on how to avoid another on-ice tragedy — ‘100 percent preventable’

Greg MacNeil was devastated to hear the news of Adam Johnson’s tragic death from a skate blade incident while playing professional hockey in England. MacNeil, affiliated with Bonderkage Brands, believes that Johnson’s death was preventable and unnecessary. He emphasizes that there are cut-resistant neck guards available on the market that could have saved Johnson’s life. MacNeil, a former businessman, has dedicated the past decade to improving hockey player safety by developing protective gear. He has spent a significant amount of money and time researching and patenting new materials. MacNeil recalls his protective gear while learning of Johnson’s death and regrets that he couldn’t have ensured his safety. Despite previous incidents and warnings, MacNeil believes that there is a lack of awareness and action in the hockey community. While progress is being made in professional leagues like the AHL and ECHL, there is still work to be done to prioritize player safety. MacNeil emphasizes the need for education, expanding product lines, and the use of high-quality materials in protective gear. He believes that it is crucial for equipment manufacturers and the NHL to address this issue and protect players from skate lacerations. MacNeil credits NHL hockey operations vice-president Rod Pasma for his efforts in raising awareness and pursuing change. In the wake of Johnson’s death, there have been calls for mandatory neck protection in hockey at all levels. MacNeil, along with industry experts and equipment managers, believes that it is possible to eliminate skate cuts in hockey with the right measures in place. MacNeil’s personal journey into player safety began after a discussion about the lack of preventive measures for skate cuts. He has since delved deep into research and development, always seeking ways to improve protective equipment. MacNeil now speaks with expertise about cut resistance and industry standards. He remains hopeful that through continued efforts, skate cuts can be eliminated from the sport.

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Sarah Anderson

Sarah Anderson dives into the fast-paced world of NHL hockey. Her coverage includes game analysis, player spotlights, and the latest news from the ice. Sarah’s dedication to the sport ensures that hockey enthusiasts stay informed about the NHL’s thrilling action.