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VENDOR News Updates from U.S. Ice Rink Association Vendor Members Introducing InFlex: A New Development in Rink Safety , The Pittsburgh Penguins, Covestro, and Athletica Sport Systems announced a state-of-the-art dasher board design that has been installed at the Covestro Innovation Rink at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. This prototype is not only significantly safer for players, but it does not impede the normal puck play off the boards or around the boards. The new technology is shown to provide up to 65% improvement in energy absorption when a player hits the boards using scientific testing of acceleration, force and impact. The concept was prototyped and tested by dasher board manufacturer Athletica Sport Systems using an automotive standard. In comparison to the traditional steel frame design under the same impact characteristics, there is a 150- 450% increase in deflection, which leads to energy absorption within the board system. This is a significant improvement and facilitates distribution of the impact velocity by 40-50 milliseconds. Sections of the new board system were installed at the Covestro Innovation Rink at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex for use by amateur players. Testing will continue to ensure consistency. "With 'Safety Through Innovation' being our brand promise and as a Preferred Rink Equipment Supplier to the NHL, the AHL, and USA Hockey, we were very interested to be involved in this endeavor," said Andrew McRae, CEO of Athletica Sport Systems Inc. "Our greatest differentiator is our ability to innovate and listen to our customers, so we made the necessary changes to the original Rethink the Rink concepts to ensure the boards could be properly manufactured. It is rewarding to see the new, safer board in action." Remembering Don Baldwin , Don Baldwin was a longtime member and supporter of the U.S. Ice Rink Association. Don was one of the first to complete his CRA professional designation when offered in 2011, as well as his CIRM. Don contributed many articles over the years for RINK Magazine, including topics on OSHA, the EPA, indoor air quality, along with programming and management related articles as well. We've included an article Don did for us on page 36 on Birthday Parties. We are saddened by his recent passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. J 18 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2021 USICERINKS.COM RINK RANGERS by Mike Curti NORM, I SENT YOU OUT HOURS AGO. WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG? I FOUND THE TURKEYS RIGHT AWAY, BUT FINDING BOWLING SHOES TO FIT THEM TOOK FOREVER. NORM, I NEED YOU TO GET TURKEYS FOR THE TURKEY BOWLING EVENT TOMORROW. M U C H L A T E R