The National Hockey League (NHL) has opened a new Innovation Lab at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
NJ Biz said the simulated arena environment, officially unveiled in partnership with Verizon and the New Jersey Devils, is designed to test and develop cutting-edge technology for use across the game.
It is meant 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.
The 16,514-capacity Prudential Center is a multipurpose indoor arena in Newark, New Jersey, United States. Opened in 2007, it is the home of the New Jersey Devils of the NHL.
Dave Lehanski, NHL executive vice president, Business Development and Innovation said, “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.”
At its core is a dedicated, always-available rink environment paired with a connected technology hub. It includes server infrastructure, private networking and integrated video systems. All of that links to both the practice facility and the main arena.
Verizon’s private 5G network and secure cloud infrastructure supports the set up. The technology enables real-time data processing, video transmission and advanced analytics.
The facility also incorporates high-end Sony innovations, including Hawk-Eye tracking systems and advanced 4K and 8K media workflows.
A high-performance backbone supports this technology, designed to enable near real-time applications, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence.
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.
He said, “We can absolutely, confidently say that we will be able to more thoroughly test stuff before it ends up in an NHL arena. We no longer have to test something and take it to the (National Hockey League Players’ Association) or Hockey Operations.
“We can invite them to come to us and say, ‘Hey we have the lab set up, the dasher boards are installed, if you want to come down and have a skate and take a look.’ They can come down and we will make sure everything is all set up. Now, we have time and environment, in partnership with the Devils, that we control.”
The lab will trial a range of technologies, such as embedded digital clocks in rink boards, LED lighting systems tied to game operations, and advanced optical tracking systems to expand player data and analytics.
Some applications focus on improving in-game communication, such as using lighting systems to clearly signal events like TV timeouts, or coach’s challenges to players and officials.
Others support connected devices, like iPads on team benches for video review and Apple Watches used by officials for real-time alerts.
The Prudential Center’s location adjacent to the practice facility allows the NHL to operate the lab more like a start-up environment — rapidly testing, refining and scaling ideas in real time within a dedicated, always-available rink setup.
First-of-its-kind hub
The first-of-its-kind innovation hub brings together both physical and digital infrastructure under one roof. It gives the NHL a controlled but realistic space to experiment, accelerate new technologies and bring them from concept to game-ready faster than ever before.
Despite the size and scale of the organizations involved, it fosters a start-up mentality to test out new ideas.
NHL Senior Vice President of Technology Grant Nodine said, “It’s really an accelerant. The biggest challenge in season is getting a non-game day where you have an ice surface down, and you have house lights up and things like that, to be able to test things like camera systems and any other things that you’re likely to want to put into play. And it’s a big challenge to do that in season.
“And so, this environment means that we can both do that in an accelerated basis, but it gives us a year-round opportunity to do so.”
Kyle Malady, CEO, Verizon Business, added, “This innovation lab is the next phase of our long-standing partnership with the NHL, allowing us to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the ice, in the arena, and for the fans.
“By deploying Verizon’s Private 5G Wireless Network and Secure Cloud Interconnect (SCI) solutions, we are providing a dedicated, high-speed, and secure technology foundation for the NHL to incubate and validate next-generation solutions.
“We are proud to serve as the technological partner that helps the NHL strengthen its game.”
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