NHL Player Avatars And Outdoor Visuals Feature In League’s New Animated Show

The NHL is bringing game action into an animated world with a new show for young fans and families.

NHL Hockeyverse Matchup of the Week debuts on Feb. 1 and features a regular-season game from the week before with NHL player avatars, an animated outdoor environment that reflects the essence of Canadian cities and visual effects.

The first episode recaps the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals game from Jan. 25, which Vancouver won 2-1. It airs at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET on NHL Network in the United States and 12 p.m. ET on Sportsnet in Canada.

The 30-minute program, which airs on Saturdays, follows past live animated broadcasts of NHL games using puck and player tracking. These broadcasts include the NHL Big City Greens Classic with ESPN and Disney, the MultiVersus NHL Face-Off with TNT, Warner Bros. Discovery and Sony’s Beyond Sports, and Tommy Hawk’s Birthday Party with NBC Sports Chicago.

“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,” David Lehanski, the NHL’s executive vice-president of business development and innovation, said in a press release.

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NHL Edge positional data enables NHL Productions, in collaboration with Beyond Sports, to visualize what happens on the ice while aiming for realism and dynamic movements. Teenaged commentators were chosen to call the action in a fun and casual tone while sharing fun facts and insights, according to the NHL.

“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,” Lehanski said.

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