Safety from the neck down: Tackling neck protection in the 2024 Make-a-Thon
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Season 7 of the Rethink the Rink Make-a-Thon felt personal – and for good reason. Following the tragic passing of former Penguin Adam Johnson in October 2023, it was decided that the 2024 event should focus on an important safety measure in hockey: neck protection equipment.
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For hockey players at all levels, there has been a historical reluctance to wear neck protection. Many complain that it can be bulky and uncomfortable and that the gear limits mobility. During the Make-a-Thon, Carnegie Mellon students aimed to develop brand new neck protection prototypes – using Covestro materials – to address these concerns.
“Safety is central to the work we do at Covestro. Combining safety with another of Covestro’s core strengths, innovation, to create an environment where the best and the brightest student minds can leverage insights from experts in hockey and material science is a win-win for all the organizations involved and the sport of hockey.”
Samir Hifri
Chairman and President, Covestro LLC
With the help of former Penguins players, materials coaches from Covestro and hockey equipment experts from Bauer, the students teamed up to produce four unique, innovative concepts for neck protection for players at all levels. Students drew inspiration from unlikely sources – including nature and the iconic Batman costume.
In the end, Team Gold took home the prize for their unique flex guard concept.
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