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NHL to Run Animated Versions of Recent Games for Young Viewers

brian steinberg
·2-min read

The National Hockey League will test an animated recap show aimed at young fans and families.

“NHL Hockeyverse Matchup of the Week is a half-hour animated program that shows a regular-season matchup from the prior week played by animated avatars who move according to positional data. The first episode, slated to air on Sportsnet in Canada and NHL Network in the U.S., as well as on the NHL YouTube channel, will feature a recap of a January 25 game between the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals., It will be shown Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. eastern on NHL Network and on Sportsnet at 12 p.m. ET., and is expected to continue on Saturdays subsequently.

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“By using avatars, vibrant animations and youthful commentary, NHL Hockeyverse Matchup of the Week will further connect young fans and families to the NHL and build upon the League’s recent national and local animated telecast successes,” said David Lehanski, the league’s executive vice president of business development and innovation, in a statement. “We’re delighted to air NHL Hockeyverse Matchup of the Week on Sportsnet and NHL Network, to continue expanding the use of NHL Edge Positional Data, excite new and existing young fans in Canada and the United States, and deliver even more innovative and unique ways to experience our great game.”

More sports networks and leagues are experimenting with formats tailored for kids and families, a bid to find younger viewers and convert them into life-long fans. Walt Disney Co.’s ESPN started testing animated versions of real NHL games that utilized characters from the popular cartoon series “Big City Greens” in 2023.

The NHL expects “Hockeyverse” telecasts to have the look of an outdoor environment, rather than an indoor arena, and to feature unique camera angles that brings viewers close to the action. Teenaged commentators swill do the play by play.

“NHL Hockeyverse Matchup of the Week” will be produced by NHL Productions, in collaboration with Sony’s Beyond Sports.

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