NHL Players Enter Virtual Reality Through New Licensing Deal
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The NHL Players Association has secured a licensing deal with Sense Arena, bringing NHL players into a virtual reality environment for the first time. This agreement allows for increased fan engagement by incorporating stars like Connor McDavid and Matthew Tkachuk into the NHL Sense Arena platform, which is the only licensed virtual and mixed reality hockey training platform in collaboration with the NHL and NHLPA.
Fans will now have the chance to pass pucks to players like Auston Matthews or go up against goaltenders such as Connor Hellebuyck in a virtual setting. According to NHLPA chief commercial officer Steve Scebelo, this partnership is an exciting opportunity to showcase the talents of NHL players and enhance the fan experience.
The new platform will feature NHL players in a dynamic 3-on-3 game mode, which includes an 82-game season and roster management, with the chance to unlock additional players. Earlier this year, Sense Arena also released DanglePro, a mixed reality hockey training game that allows users to practice their skills with their own stick and a training puck, navigating through virtual obstacles.
Sense Arena, founded in 2018, has already gained traction in off-ice hockey training, forming partnerships with various hockey organizations, including USA Hockey and multiple NCAA programs. NHL teams like the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils have also engaged with Sense Arena's training programs.
Goaltenders such as Joey Daccord of the Seattle Kraken have praised the integration of VR training into their routines, emphasizing its effectiveness in enhancing focus and performance. Daccord mentioned that the technology has been instrumental in his preparation and performance at the NHL level.
With the backing of the NHLPA, this technological advancement in fan engagement and player training highlights the growing role of virtual reality in sports. Sense Arena founder Bob Tetiva expressed excitement about pushing the boundaries of innovation in hockey training and engagement, reinforcing the notion that the future of sports is evolving through these emerging technologies.