NEWARK, N.J. — The NHL has established a base for its forays into the technological improvements that will make the even faster, more seamless and even more enjoyable.
Welcome to the NHL Innovation lab powered by Verizon, a simulated arena environment designed to allow the League and its partners across the technological spectrum to develop and enhance tools designed to improve the game.
“The NHL Innovation Lab powered by Verizon is an important next chapter in our technology and innovation journey,” said David Lehanski, NHL executive vice president, business development and innovation. “We continue to be committed to leveraging new and emerging technology to benefit every aspect of our game, and the NHL Innovation Lab gives us the ability to test, validate and refine new technology on the ice, in real-game environments, all year round right in our own backyard.”
The facility, located inside the Prudential Center, is a partnership between the NHL, the New Jersey Devils and Verizon designed to be used in a variety of ways by venue and hockey operations staff, as well as game officials, coaches and players, to test new technology in game-like conditions.
“We are able to stretch the art of the possible, both in the coverage of the game and also in how we officiate it,” NHL senior vice president, technology Grant Nodine. “Now, we can make sure we are really dialed in with these technologies.”
The space has been designed as a centralized area to explore emerging technologies that support on-ice performance, game operations and fan engagement and the manners in which they can be applied. Much of this work will be done at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House, the practice rink for the Devils, although the game rink used for Devils home games can also be leveraged.
Sean Williams, NHL vice president, innovation-technology partnership, described it as a collaborative workplace with on-ice access that allows for the scientific testing of new technologies, new hardware and new software.
As such, it will allow the League and its partners to work on the development of innovations that will impact the quality of play on the ice and the game experience for those playing and watching.
