NHL Players Experience Virtual Reality for First Time
Full Transcript
The NHL Players Association has announced a licensing deal with Sense Arena, introducing NHL players to virtual reality for the first time. This initiative will feature stars like Connor McDavid and Matthew Tkachuk in the NHL Sense Arena, the only licensed virtual and mixed reality hockey platform associated with the NHL and NHLPA.
Previously, the platform had agreements with the NHL to incorporate team branding and events such as the Winter Classic into its VR training games. With the new deal, around 15 players from each team will replace generic avatars in the game, which allows fans to pass pucks to prominent players like Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews or shoot against reigning Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck.
Steve Scebelo, the chief commercial officer of the NHLPA, stated that this partnership is an exciting opportunity to bring fans closer to the incredible talent of NHL players. The platform is designed to showcase player skills and enhance fan engagement in unprecedented ways.
NHL players will be featured in a 3-on-3 mode, which includes an 82-game season and roster management, along with the ability to unlock additional players. Earlier this year, Sense Arena released DanglePro, a mixed reality hockey training game where users can practice with their own stick and training puck while navigating through virtual obstacles.
Sense Arena launched its hockey VR experience in 2018, initially focusing on off-ice training, and has since partnered with USA Hockey and numerous NCAA programs, as well as NHL teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Vegas Golden Knights.
The training programs have gained popularity among goaltenders, including Joey Daccord of the Seattle Kraken, who has integrated VR training into his routine and found it beneficial for maintaining focus during games.
Daccord emphasized that this technology has been instrumental in his career and preparation. Sense Arena's founder and CEO, Bob Tetiva, expressed excitement about the future of hockey training and fan engagement, highlighting the collaboration with the NHLPA as a step towards innovation in the sport.
This development marks a significant evolution in sports technology, offering fans new avenues to connect with their favorite athletes and enhancing the overall viewing experience.