The implementation of Cisco technologies will help the league super-serve millions of avid hockey fans across North America with digital video of their favorite teams and players.

The NHL is using digital video in many ways: it is capitalizing on the convergence of media (Internet, mobile, television) and satisfying the most passionate, tech-savvy fans in all the major pro sports; it serves a significant “displaced” fan population that lives in a different local market than their favorite team; or it is exposing fans across North America to all of the incredible action, compelling storylines and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the league’s 30 teams.

NHL GameCenter LIVE is the NHL’s popular new online subscription service that puts fans in control of the premium experience for interacting with and viewing live NHL games. NHL GameCenter LIVE streams up to 40 games per week, and is specifically designed for those avid fans looking for the most complete, in-game NHL viewing experience, as well as for the nearly 50 percent of NHL fans that live away from their favorite team’s local television market and crave more live game coverage. Sales of the NHL’s live streaming video have increased more than 250 percent this season.

NHL Network Online is a groundbreaking broadband media service that is available free to fans at NHL.com. A key component of the NHL’s strategy to build global scale through digital media, the NHL Network Online is delivered to fans through a sleek broadband media player. This immersive, all-access experience invites fans to NHL.com to spend more time behind the scenes with their favorite players and teams. Fans will now enjoy seven dedicated channels of NHL multimedia, each programmed around distinct themes. Cisco powers the LiveWire channel, which is dedicated to bringing fans live events from around the league; and Cisco technology enables the NHL to deliver millions of game highlight videos per month through the popular Game Highlights channel.

“Cisco has developed solutions for the NHL that will not only benefit the league and its global fan base but also help ensure that the game of hockey maintains a high degree of relevancy now and into the future. The collaboration between Cisco and the NHL will ensure that the game of hockey continues to transcend borders, time zones and digital mediums to deliver the ultimate fan experience today, tomorrow and into the future,”said Rob Lloyd, senior vice president, U.S., Canada and Japan, Cisco.