When it comes to getting closer to the Calgary Flames, every fan has their go-to hobby. For many, being a fan of the Flames means gathering to watch live games and possibly even backing the team through a few bets. For others, the ultimate Flames experience is catching a match from the Saddledome—especially a nail-biter against the Oilers.
That being said, the NHL is always looking for ways to improve its fan experience. As technology evolves, there are more innovative ways to engage with hockey players, teams, and the league as a whole. At the moment, there are a few different opportunities that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is looking to pursue, from forays into the Metaverse to social media engagement.
Let’s take a closer look at how Flames and other NHL fans can get closer to their favorite team.
Gaming: Join the Big Leagues—or Stay Casual
Games big and small take fans closer to the action in the rink. Even smaller games, like virtual slots offered at online casinos, include hockey categories. From Break Away to Hockey League, dozens of slots zero in on the drama of ice hockey. While it might seem laborious to join a casino, registering is really easy—as is depositing funds, either via a Skrill deposit or another method.
If mini-games like slots aren’t quite your thing, then you can focus on eSports instead. The NHL recently launched an EA Sports NHL World Championship for each new release. All 32 clubs in the league host their own playoff series to see which elite players will represent their squad in an international faceoff. This competition is open to the public and geared towards hockey fans.
The Metaverse: Roblox & the NHL
Let’s stay within the realm of gaming for a moment. A Metaverse is a virtual world that is often used for entertainment and can be accessed via VR headsets. However, unlike traditional video games, these are ‘sandboxes’, allowing users to build on virtual plots, engage with others socially, and even launch their own NFTs.
In keeping with Commissioner Bettman’s tech push, the NHL also recently launched its NHL Blast project on Roblox. This is a hockey-themed space that lets fans gather in the metaverse—whether they’re located in Calgary, Durbin, Shanghai, or Oslo. In the future, it’s likely that official NHL games could be broadcast via Roblox for communal virtual watching.
For now, NHL Blast on Roblox has focused on launching a game that simulates the experience of skating and competing on the ice. To keep the action fun, the game includes a series of obstacles on the virtual rink, making it a bit more like a race challenge rather than an actual hockey game.
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Numbers & Data: Inside the NHL’s Tracking Sensors
Yet another push from Commissioner Bettman relates to cutting-edge technology. This time, the focus is on real-time data and analytics. As many diehard Flames and NHL fans know, teams are increasingly leaning on sports analytics to help fuel their strategies and training regimes. Analysts and broadcasters also rely on data to help them frame the action for viewers.
Currently, the NHL is exploring putting more data into the hands of fans via its Edge program. This program tracks both players and the puck to measure speed, movement, and other data pulled from infrared technology. That means that NHL fans now have access to some of the same data points that GMs use to create a season-long approach.
As with NHL Blast and the EA Sports NHL World Championship series, this is a brand-new project. For now, it’s unclear what sorts of unique opportunities will be generated from giving fans access to this type of hard data—but it’s sure to improve the fantasy hockey experience and similar hobbies.
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