Greg Neeld

Greg Neeld (born February 25, 1955) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played 17 games for the Toronto Toros of the World Hockey Association.

On December 7, 1973, in an Ontario Hockey Association junior game between Neeld's Toronto Marlboros and the Kitchener Rangers, Neeld was high-sticked in the face by Kitchener's Dave Maloney, resulting in the loss of his left eye. Neeld became the first player (excluding goaltenders) to wear a facial shield in regular play. Neeld's injury brought attention to the issue of ocular safety in ice hockey, and in Canada, facial protection was made mandatory for minor hockey by 1980. Today, many leagues across North America and Europe mandate the use of visors for their players.

He persevered with his dream to become a professional hockey player. He was drafted 71st overall in the fourth round of the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft by the Buffalo Sabres and 40th overall in the third round of the 1975 WHA Amateur Draft by the Minnesota Fighting Saints. He never played an NHL game, as the Sabres were not able to get around the rule that a player was required to be sighted in both eyes. However, Neeld appeared in 17 games with the Toronto Toros in the 1975-76 WHA season, registering only one assist. He spent part of the season in the NAHL, and the entirety of the next season. He played two more seasons in the International Hockey League (IHL) for four various teams until 1979.

Neeld is currently the CEO of a Vancouver-based mining exploration company.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM1971–72 Toronto Marlboros OHA 3 0 0 0 0 –– –– –– –– ––1972–73 Toronto Marlboros OHA 28 5 19 24 71 –– –– –– –– ––1972–73 Sudbury Wolves OHA 26 4 18 22 70 –– –– –– –– ––1973–74 Toronto Marlboros OHA 31 4 11 15 98 –– –– –– –– ––1974–75 Calgary Centennials WCHL 62 29 30 59 186 –– –– –– –– ––1975–76 Buffalo Norsemen NAHL 26 7 6 13 85 2 1 0 1 101975–76 Toronto Toros WHA 17 0 1 1 18 –– –– –– –– ––1976–77 Erie Blades NAHL 73 21 43 64 128 8 1 3 4 351977–78 Dayton/Grand Rapids Owls IHL 17 4 10 14 38 –– –– –– –– ––1978–79 Kalamazoo Wings IHL 7 1 5 6 44 –– –– –– –– ––1978–79 Toledo Goaldiggers IHL 21 2 5 7 54 –– –– –– –– ––1978–79 Muskegon Mohawks IHL 42 7 28 35 186 –– –– –– –– –– NAHL totals 99 28 49 77 213 10 2 3 5 45 IHL totals 87 14 48 62 322 — — — — — WHA totals 17 0 1 1 18 — — — — —