NEWS AND MEDIA

Reebok-CCM Hockey Launches Safety Revolution Program with First-Ever Safety Summit in Ottawa

17 Mar 2011

Major Hockey Partners Discuss Education and Management of Head Injuries

Montreal, Mar. 23, 2011 – In an effort to spearhead the conversation regarding education and management of head injuries in sports, Reebok-CCM Hockey hosted its first-ever safety summit in Ottawa as part of its Safety Revolution Program. Representatives from the National Hockey League (NHL), Hockey Canada, USA hockey, American Hockey League (AHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), ECHL, Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC), CSA International, the NHL Players’ Association and Professional Hockey Players’ Association all took part in a series of presentations and discussions. The discourse was designed to address head injury.

The topics discussed at the Safety Summit included “Understanding Concussions in Hockey”, a biomechanical presentation by Dr. Blaine Hoshizaki of the University of Ottawa that discussed how concussions occur; “Concussion Education and Management”, a presentation by Think First founder, Dr. Charles Tator on the medical implications of concussions; Reebok’s role as an equipment provider in reducing the severity and frequency of concussions; and what the leagues can do to better share information.

This Summit followed the announcement of a three-year exclusive partnership between Reebok-CCM Hockey and the University of Ottawa’s Neurotrauma Impact Science Laboratory. Through highly advanced laboratory tests and simulations, this joint research and development partnership aims to gain further knowledge on impact management which ultimately will result in the creation of safer equipment as the game of hockey continues to evolve. University of Ottawa members also were involved highly in the creation of the Safety Summit.

“Hockey is the fastest and most exciting game in the world,” said Len Rhodes, senior vice president and general manager, Reebok-CCM Hockey. “We believe the game should be played with intensity and respect. Our role as equipment manufacturers is to give amateur and professional players the best protection possible against injuries while simultaneously improving performance. Our new Safety Revolution Program and the Safety Summit, confirms our commitment to improving player safety today and in the future.”

Underscoring its Safety Revolution Program, Reebok-CCM Hockey will introduce its proprietary 5-Point Safety System in April. The system integrates multiple product technologies that are designed to work together to optimize safety. Reebok-CCM Hockey is committed to a product development approach that places safety at the core of its product creation philosophy, with research at the forefront of the equipment. This initiative will be supported by a comprehensive consumer education program that will be unveiled within the following months.

To that end, Reebok-CCM Hockey continues to serve as a primary sponsor of the Think First “Smart Hockey” educational video that promotes on-ice respect and creates awareness for the effects of brain injuries in hockey. Think First is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of brain and spinal cord injuries. The video features NHL stars Patrice Bergeron, John Tavares, Tyler Myers and three-time Olympic champion Caroline Ouellette.