NHL to offer first-ever American Sign Language broadcast of Stanley Cup Final
The National Hockey League is putting together a unique broadcast for the upcoming Lord Stanley’s Cup battle.
The league, in partnership with P-X-P, has created “NHL in ASL,” an alternate stream that will broadcast the Stanley Cup Final in American Sign Language. Every game of the best-of-seven series between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will be streamed on ESPN+ and Sportsnet+.
A first-of-its-kind telecast: the 'NHL in ASL' is dedicated to the Deaf community. Every game of the #StanleyCup Final in will air in ASL on ESPN+ (U.S.) and Sportsnet+ (Canada).
More details: https://t.co/RXWAOuO7aE pic.twitter.com/LvlKUx7qJ5
This is not the first time the league and P-X-P have worked together. The two organizations have joined forces to provide ASL interpretation for marquee events like the Winter Classic, the Heritage Classic, the Stadium Series and NHL All-Star Weekend, as well as commissioner Gary Bettman’s State of the League Address.
“Our continued partnership with P-X-P allows the NHL to do something no other professional sports league has done before,” Kim Davis, senior executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives and legislative affairs, explained in a statement. “Provide a fully immersive, unique, and accessible viewing experience that specifically meets the needs of the Deaf community.”
The broadcasts will be anchored by two deaf broadcasters: Jason Altmann, a longtime NHL fan and COO of P-X-P, and Noah Blankenship, who was picked from a group of 50 candidates.
Among the features of the broadcast, there will be graphics including a noise meter so viewers can tell how loud the crowd is, most notably around goals and penalties.
Steve Mayer, NHL chief content officer, mentioned that the broadcast will not feature traditional play-by-play, with the dialogue being more of a conversation between Altmann and Blankenship with the viewers.
“The first-of-its-kind production is something we hope and plan to expand on beyond the Stanley Cup Final and into the 2024-25 season,” Mayer said. “[It’ll be] rather something more conversational and relaxed in nature, providing a deeper layer of additional storytelling.”
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is set for Saturday night, as the Panthers host the Oilers with puck drop scheduled for a little after 8 p.m. ET.