Bitfire Networks Plays Important Role in NHL Network’s Virtual Production of 2021 NHL Draft

NHL Network once again utilized BitFire Networks to facilitate the integration, synchronization, and distribution associated with producing the 2021 NHL Draft. This was the second consecutive year that the event was conducted virtually and produced from the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, NJ.

As teams made their Draft selections remotely, BitFire was tasked with synchronizing live video feeds for the NHL clubs in their respective locations, and with top prospects located throughout North America and Europe. With BitFire’s technology providing a turn-key solution, team officials and draft prospects interacted in real-time, allowing production the flexibility required to bring fans closer to the action while capturing the joy associated with this event for all involved.

“With prospects being drafted all over the world covering a wide span of time zones, BitFire continued to shine on an international stage and show a high‐level of calm, professionalism and can‐do attitude to help produce a high‐quality broadcast experience,” says Bob Sullivan, President & CEO of BitFire Networks.

BitFire’s platform was also utilized for last month’s NHL Draft Lottery, where live feeds from all 16 eligible teams were ingested at NHL Network’s production facility. Using BitFire’s browser-based Firebridge product was integral, allowing all teams to contribute to the show from the comfort of their home.

This year’s NHL Draft marked the third professional draft produced by NHL Network utilizing BitFire’s technology. MLB Network, which shares production space and facilities with NHL Network, also used BitFire’s technology for the 2021 MLB Draft.

“We look forward to a long running partnership between BitFire and both NHL Network and MLB Network,” adds Sullivan. “The production and technical staffs for everyone involved have embraced our technology and continue to push the envelope regarding distributed production workflows. We believe this form of remote production technology has quickly become the standard for live content production and feel our platform allows users the flexibility needed to succeed in this new environment.”

“As our utilization of virtual solutions has evolved over the last 15 months, we’ve developed a valuable partnership with the Bitfire team,” says Karen Ganjamie, NHL Network and MLB Network VP, Broadcast Operations and Network Origination. “We are looking forward to collaborating on another successful NHL Draft, where we’ll be able to lean on BitFire’s effective, strong and dependable technology.”