I hope the tech was developed with the thought process of limiting injuries on other players.
For example, pre-80's, pads were intended to keep a player safe when they hit the ice or boards too hard. The design was simple, stuff high density cotton into material to absorb some impact.
Post 80's, the hard plastic shell for elbow pads and shoulderpads entered and I believe are a direct contributor to many injuries especially concussions.
Before, a player would slow up on player to player contact knowing the padding was not gonna stop the hitter from being unscathed.
Nowadays, you hit someone with an elbow or shoulder, the hitter barely feels it at all.
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