NHL HOCKEYVERSE MATCHUP OF THE WEEK ANIMATED PROGRAM TO AIR ON SATURDAYS STARTING FEBRUARY 1 ON SPORTSNET AND NHL NETWORK
NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2025) – The National Hockey League today announced NHL HOCKEYVERSE Matchup of the Week, a first of its kind 30-minute animated program that will bring the excitement of the NHL to life in a whole new way. The weekly show will recap an NHL regular-season matchup from the prior week in a fun, youth centric program airing on Sportsnet in Canada, NHL Network in the United States, and globally on the NHL YouTube channel. The first episode will feature a recap of the Vancouver Canucks-Washington Capitals matchup from Jan. 25 (a 2-1 Canucks win featuring two goals by Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes), and be broadcast on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. ET on NHL Network (re-airing at 12 p.m. ET) and on Sportsnet at 12 p.m. ET.
NHL HOCKEYVERSE Matchup of the Week will bring viewers into an animated world where NHL Player avatars, powered by NHL EDGE Positional Data, will create a visualization of the on-ice action with stunning realism and dynamic movements.
Designed to offer young fans and families a fresh way to experience the NHL, NHL HOCKEYVERSE Matchup of the Week will take viewers out of traditional NHL arenas and immerse them in a dynamic, animated outdoor environment, inspired by the essence and character of Canadian cities. Each program will feature fast-paced, animated action, showcasing unique camera angles that bring viewers closer to the action than ever before. Quick, engaging camera movements and exciting visual effects will enhance the program, combining the best of gaming visuals and outdoor adventure.
NHL HOCKEYVERSE Matchup of the Week will feature teenaged commentators appearing as animated avatars, calling the action in a fun, entertaining and casual tone. They’ll share insights, fun facts, and stories to take viewers deeper inside the NHL, making each episode a must-watch for fans of all ages.
“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, NHL Executive Vice President, Business Development & Innovation. “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.”
NHL HOCKEYVERSE Matchup of the Week will be produced by NHL Productions, in collaboration with Sony’s Beyond Sports.
About the NHL
The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers - league, team and player accounts combined - across Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rightsholders including ESPN, TNT Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; Viaplay in the Nordics, Baltics, and Poland; YLE in Finland; Nova in Czech Republic and Slovakia; Sky Sports and ProSieben in Germany; MySports in Switzerland; and CCTV5+ in China; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in every country. Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP. NHL Original Productions and NHL Studios produce compelling original programming featuring unprecedented access to players, coaches and League and team personnel for distribution across the NHL’s social and digital platforms.
The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. The NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone™ initiative reinforces that the official policy of the sport is one of inclusion on the ice, in locker rooms, boardrooms and stands. The NHL is expanding access and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities to play hockey, fostering more inclusive environments and growing the game through a greater diversity of participants. To date, the NHL has invested more than $100 million in youth hockey and grassroots programs, with a commitment to invest an additional $5 million for diversity and inclusion programs over the next year.