The Philadelphia Flyers have begun incorporating "a revolutionary line of smart garments from U.K.-based [company] Kymira," in their players' athletic treatments, "using infrared technology in fabric to help enhance performance and recovery."
Kymira is one of 10 companies participating in a six-month program that is part of the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech Accelerator.
Players were fitted with gear that would aid their recovery off the ice and during travel, "with the goal of improving performance and reducing injury."
Kymira founder and CEO Tim Brownstone revealed that, while infrared technology is not a new tool for the Flyers, the design of the gear that administers the technology is what's making the difference.
"It was just our form factor, a way that they could use it 24/7, that was the novelty," Brownstone said. "Give them something that looks like a regular hoodie, like a regular t-shirt...They were wearing it religiously. We've even got the coaching staff giving interviews in these. So the benefits are being felt."
Kymira also made the gear available to staff members in all levels of the organization, with the mindset being that "organizational performance uplifts the performance of athletes on the ice."
This gels well with the Flyers' focus on creating a more tight-knit organization that fosters a sense of community, believing that an environment that people want to be a part of will naturally bring the success the team is aiming for.
Given the overworking-induced exhaustion injury struggles the Flyers faced last season, this new technology could be a game-changer in their recovery process off the ice.
