Bradford Bulldogs grateful to former coach and player Jon Chantal for continued support

THANK YOU: Jon Chantal (second left) pictured with head coach Andy Brown (left), Connor Medley and BUlldogs NIHL team manager, Joanne Gibson.

BRADFORD BULLDOGS have issued a heartfelt thanks to former player and coach Jon Chantal for his generosity in paying for the neckguards that are now required to be worn by our Bulldogs NIHL North Two team following the tragic death of Adam Johnson in October.

As a result of the terrible, fatal incident in the game between Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers, governing body England Ice Hockey stipulated that all players under their authority would be required to wear neckguards from January 1 onwards.  

Jon, who also makes an annual contribution to the club, kindly stepped forward to cover the cost of all the neckguards.

But his generosity hasn’t stopped there, he has also paid for the specially-designed short covers worn by all of the Bulldogs NIHL team. 

“Being a Bulldog doesn’t stop when you stop playing - it’s a lifelong commitment. Girlfriends and wives, they come and they go, but the Bulldogs last forever,” said Jon.

“I think it’s a privilege to support these players carrying on the legacy of this club. This club has saved a lot of people from a lot of dark times and I feel like those that can, have a moral obligation to the club, the coaches and the next generation of players coming through.

“But, most importantly, it’s about helping keep them safe - particularly with the tragedy that happened to Adam Johnson.”

Jon may have stopped being directly involved in the Bulldogs some time ago, but that hasn’t stopped him maintaining a keen interest in the club and its exploits, from the seniors through to the juniors.

“I believe that the coaching here at Bradford is still some of the best in the country and they are privileged to have somebody like Andy Brown as their head coach,” added Jon. 

LEGACY: Jon Chantal, left, pictured with Conne Medley and Bulldogs’ team manager, Joanne Gibson - along with the short covers and the neckguard his generous donation has helped acquire.

“The legacy that comes through is the amazing talent that goes on to feed the rest of the senior leagues in the rest of the country - for example, just down the road at Leeds Knights where Andy’s son Kieran plays and a number of other former Bulldogs.

“So, from a small club in Bradford, it is great to see that we are continuing to punch much higher than many people would expect. It really is an absolute honour to be able to support them in this small way. 

“I’m still very close with Andy and we speak on a regular basis. I will always be a Bulldog.”

On behalf of the club, head coach Andy Brown said Jon's continued generosity and continued support of the club does not go unnoticed.

He said: “Jon’s a great friend of mine and a Bulldog through and through. 

“His generosity has helped the club out many times over the years, so it was no surprise when he stepped forward and made the offer.

"As always it’s greatly appreciated by myself, the players and the whole club.”