A different kind of hat trick

There is no sport with playoffs as thrilling as the National Hockey League’s (NHL). But as thrilling as these playoffs have been, they come after a turbulent year for the NHL. You know what I’m referring to: concussions.

Ignited by the take-out of Sidney Crosby (above), and further fueled by chilling hits to Max Pacioretty (below) and others, Canadian media has spent the last several months addressing the devastating effects of concussions for individuals of all ages.

(go to 1:05 for the slow-motion replay)

Making an impact — by measuring it

This is a problem, but as we know in the world of start-ups, problems create opportunities. Enter Impakt Protective.

Impakt Protective is a MaRS client with a solution: a ‘smart’ helmet, equipped with sensors that detect impacts to the head and software that alerts the wearer to risk of concussion via immediate visual alert or a message sent to a smartphone or laptop.

Called the ShockBox(TM), this technology aims to provide the “everyday sports enthusiast” with the resources to play hard, but play safe, too. With applications in hockey, football, lacrosse and skiing, the ShockBox is poised to have a great impact (no pun intended, I swear) on the health and safety of athletes.

Of course, as I’m sure you guessed, that’s not all. Another Impakt product, the Playbox(TM), uses this technology for another purpose: to track player data and statistics, including ice time, response/reaction time, location tracking drills and and set play reproduction. Multi-use functionality!

Impakt has been consistently building momentum, while working closely with MaRS Advisors to guide progress forwards – and they’re inching closer to fame, following features on CBC’s The National and Global TV.

So, in lieu of making another Impakt/impact pun, I’ll end by simply saying, keep an eye out for this solution in sports stores soon. Hats (helmets?) off to them!

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Tags: concussions, healthcare IT, hockey, life sciences