2024 Make-a-Thon
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.
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.
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.
D5HHAxFbdNaYJ8vdhXfaZEhttps://asset-out-cdn.video-cdn.net/private/videos/D5HHAxFbdNaYJ8vdhXfaZE/thumbnails/1464860?quality=thumbnail&__token__=exp=1781177319~acl=/private/videos/D5HHAxFbdNaYJ8vdhXfaZE/thumbnails/1464860*~hmac=9ce2ac3fd68eb93dce9affc2696527a5c4ff073bfd4d03cbd54ecd5674df3231Rethink the Rink 2024: Neck Protection