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NHL Referee Braced for New Season

For Canadian Dave Jackson, 45, of Montreal, fitness is a key factor in fulfilling his role as one of the National Hockey League’s 33 referees. He can spend numerous hours a month during the season officiating in rinks across Canada and the US.  To keep fit between games, NHL officials all follow gruelling off-ice fitness programmes. Last year, two months into the 2009/2010 season, Dave injured both his MCL and ACL in a freak collision with a player. Here Dave explains how DonJoy’s most popular knee brace has helped get him back to doing the job he loves.

“In November 2009 while refereeing an NHL hockey game, I had a player fall and slide into my right leg. As I fell over on top of him I felt an unmistakable ‘pop’ that signalled major damage. The Doctor's immediate diagnosis of a complete MCL and ACL tear was correct. After reconstructive surgery I embarked on a lengthy, six month rehab program. Step one was getting fitted for my Defiance. The fitting process was amazingly simple. I was in and out in 30 minutes. I received my brace within a week and it fit like a glove. From the moment I started wearing my Defiance brace, I felt secure and supported. I wear it for up to eight hours daily with no discomfort. I use it for day-to-day tasks and for serious training. Whether I'm in the gym or skating, it provides me with a peace of mind without limiting my range of motion. Its light weight and extremely comfortable. My Defiance brace has enabled me to concentrate on my training without being reminded of my injury.”
Dave Jackson NHLOA

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