NHL Collaborating With Apple to Give Referees Apple Watches

Apple is collaborating with the National Hockey League (NHL) to equip on-ice officials with Apple Watches featuring an app designed to help officiating during games (via The Verge).

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The NHL Watch Comms app allows referees to receive in-game updates by syncing with the NHL's Oasis system. Officials can track the game clock and receive alerts for key game events without diverting their focus. This allows referees to avoid locating video boards while officiating.

The app includes haptic feedback to indicate key moments, such as when a player leaves the penalty box or when the period is about to end. Distinct haptic patterns allow referees to differentiate between different notifications without needing to check the screen. The Apple Watches used in NHL games will be league-issued, providing the option of either the Apple Watch Ultra or the Series 10.

Since 2017, the NHL has integrated iPads and Macs into coaching and player workflows, providing teams with real-time access to game footage and analytics. Apple has also worked with other professional sports leagues to bring its wearable technology into competition settings. In 2023, the World Surf League adopted the Apple Watch as its official wearable, using it to deliver real-time scoring, wave priority, and heat times to competitors in the water.

Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

budselectjr Avatar
19 weeks ago
That’s cool. As a former hockey ref that would have been useful. Especially when a penalty is ending. Don’t have to look up at the scoreboard to check times. The goalies at higher levels usually tap their sticks on the ice as it’s ending though.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Muero Avatar
19 weeks ago

I would give them Ultras, especially because the Siri button can be activated by mistake so easily in the regular model.
I was working out with gloves this week, and I hit Siri like 20 times during the 20 min workout. The gloves almost called the police by mistake when doing the plank lol
I've worn an Apple Watch every day since launch day (April 24, 2015). I've never pressed the crown accidentally. I'd suggest either moving the watch further from your hand or changing the orientation so the crown is on your elbow side instead of your wrist side. Nearly calling emergency services sounds like a sign that you might want to change something about how you're wearing it.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wanha Avatar
19 weeks ago
*comment deleted after being deemed stupid. You're all welcome for this selfless act of self-censorship
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
19 weeks ago

Cool stuff. So s10 or ultra will be used by coaches. Wonder why AW was picked over garmin; except for the iPad Pro gear already purchased.
Probably because there is an underlying full OS that can be customized to the specific needs here and battery life, nor fitness tracking, where Garmin watches excel, is not a concern for NHL games
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
19 weeks ago
Nice

Good to see something interesting and collaborative from Apple
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jjudson Avatar
19 weeks ago
And just like that...

...the Sharks made the Stanley Cup series...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)