NBC Sports Chicago, Chicago Blackhawks Team Up for First-Ever Animated Real-Time Local Sports Broadcast

Collaboration with NHL follows second NHL Big City Greens Classic on ESPN earlier this month

The Chicago Blackhawks and NBC Sports Chicago are getting animated. The two are collaborating with the NHL to bring fans the first-ever local animated real-time sports telecast. On Saturday, April 6 at 2:30 p.m. CT, the alternative telecast of the Blackhawks’ face-off with the Dallas Stars will be broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago Plus (NBCSCH+). Geared to families, the presentation will feature real-time volumetric animation of the Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars players and include a celebration of “Tommy Hawk’s Birthday Party” with some surprise visits from Tommy’s friends. CLICK HERE for a video preview of the broadcast.

Building on the league’s recent NHL Big City Greens Classic telecasts on ESPN, this first-of-its-kind local animated presentation will leverage NHL EDGE positional data (NHL puck and player tracking) and Hawk-Eye Innovations optical tracking to re-create the action on the ice as it is happening while also featuring Blackhawks mascot Tommy Hawk with some of his friends within a fun environment with the United Center as a backdrop. The real-time animated program will also be produced in association with NHL innovation partner Beyond Sports.

“Every day, we’re challenging ourselves to bring hockey to fans in new ways,” says Jaime Faulkner, president, business operations, Chicago Blackhawks. “We’re incredibly excited to bring the first-ever local animated game to kids across Chicagoland and beyond in partnership with NBC Sports Chicago and the NHL. It’s our highest priority to introduce Blackhawks fandom to our youngest generation, and this passion project of ours is fueled by our ongoing efforts to share the game we love with families in ways that connect with their daily lives.”

The animated presentation on NBCSCH+ will feature notable broadcast talent Chris Vosters as play-by-play announcer and Dominic Moore as in-game analyst. Adam Burish and Tony Granato will provide studio coverage for all ages during intermissions.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity to combine the talents at NBC Sports Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the NHL to produce this first-ever, local, animated pro-game telecast,” says John Schippman, VP, sports content, NBCUniversal Local Chicago. “We’re excited and proud to be delivering a new and fun way for families and younger fans to experience this wonderful sport like never before.”

NBC Sports Chicago will carry the traditional game telecast featuring WGN Radio announcer John Wiedeman handling play-by-play duties with NBC Sports Chicago lead analyst Darren Pang providing expert game analysis. Game-day coverage on NBCSCH+ gets under way with a special edition of Blackhawks Pregame Live at 2:00 p.m.

Stay tuned to SVG for more in-depth coverage of this story in advance of the broadcast on April 6.