Abstract: A roller chain sprocket includes a body with a hub and a row of teeth that extends circumferentially around the hub such that the hub extends axially outward on opposite first and second sides of the row of teeth. The teeth are separated from each other by tooth spaces, wherein each of said tooth spaces is bisected by a radial tooth space centerline. First and second elastomeric cushion rings are respectively bonded to the hub on the opposite first and second sides of the row of teeth, with cushion ring extending circumferentially about the hub and including a plurality of compression pads separated from each other by axially extending transverse grooves. Each of the compression pads includes a planar or otherwise flat outer surface that is connected to a respective preceding one of the grooves by a leading corner surface and connected to a respective trailing one of the grooves by a trailing corner surface.