The National Hockey League is testing an animated recap show aimed at drawing young viewers. “NHL Hockeyverse Matchup of the Week” uses NHL Edge Positional Data to turn NHL player into avatars, creating “a visualization of the on-ice action with stunning realism and dynamic movements,” the league says. The half-hour show premiered February 1 featuring a recap of a January 25 game between the Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals. Episodes air on the NHL Network and on the NHL YouTube channel in the U.S. and on Sportsnet in Canada and are expected to continue in the Saturday slot.

“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,” NHL EVP of Business Development and Innovation David Lehanski said in an NHL news post.

Variety notes that “more sports networks and leagues are experimenting with formats tailored for kids and families, a bid to find younger viewers and convert them into life-long fans.” Included among them is an effort with The Walt Disney Company’s ESPN brand, which “started testing animated versions of real NHL games that utilized characters from the popular cartoon series ‘Big City Greens’ in 2023.”

“NHL Hockeyverse” is set outdoors rather than in the traditional NHL arenas. “Inspired by the essence and character of Canadian cities,” it features “fast-paced, animated action, showcasing unique camera angles that bring viewers closer to the action than ever before” for a combination of “the best of gaming visuals and outdoor adventure,” according to the NHL.

“The last two years we specifically did this as a full live game,” Lehanski said in a separate post. “What we’re trying to do this year is build on that, produce more full games, but also test more shorter form content” on a weekly basis, he added.

The debut episode was produced by NHL Productions in collaboration with Sony’s Beyond Sports, according to Sports Video Group News, adding that “the broadcasts are created using the NHL Edge puck and player tracking (positional data provided by SMT) and Hawk-Eye Innovations (a Sony company) optical tracking.”

Other animated ventures undertaken by the NHL include “‘MultiVersus NHL Face-Off’ with TNT Sports and Warner Bros. Games, and a regional broadcast with NBC Sports Chicago in 2024,” SVG News points out.