Winnipeg, MB – PLAY Hockey, the global leader in Youth Hockey events, is proud to announce a new collaboration with NHL Sense Arena.

Sense Arena launched its ice hockey VR technology in 2018, creating a cutting-edge off-ice training platform for players and goalies of all ages. The technology allows athletes to train, play, and develop their hockey skills through virtual and mixed reality, without needing access to ice, whether they’re at home, in a garage or basement, or even in a hotel room.

Sense Arena is the NHL and NHLPA’s only licensed VR training tool and is used by several NHL teams, as well as individual NHL players and goalies, including Joey Daccord of the Seattle Kraken, Devin Cooley of the Calgary Flames, and Karel Vejmelka of the Utah Mammoth. Sense Arena also partners with USA Hockey and is used by 16 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs.

Today, nearly 50,000 athletes across 40 countries use NHL Sense Arena to develop their skills, completing more than 10 million training drills since launch. The platform is compatible with Meta Quest and pairs with standard hockey equipment, allowing athletes to bring their training off the ice and into virtually any environment.

“PLAY Hockey is excited to partner with NHL Sense Arena. Their immersive VR technology and drills align perfectly with our commitment to providing families and athletes with fun and engaging things to do when attending our events while improving their on-ice game." said Rhys van Kemenade, PLAY Hockey’s Chief Hockey Officer.

Nine-year NHL veteran and current Hockey Development Director for NHL Sense Arena Andrew Alberts shared, “Sense Arena is excited to partner with PLAY Hockey to create greater engagement, expand access, and help grow the game across North America. PLAY Hockey shares our passion for youth hockey and player development at every age. Together, we can help more players and families experience the game we love in fun, supportive, and innovative ways.”

Through the partnership, the collaboration will include digital advertising, social media campaigns, targeted email marketing, mobile engagement and on-site event activations.

About NHL Sense Arena

Sense Arena is headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, and has North American offices in Tampa, Boston, and Whitby, Ontario. Launched in 2018, Sense Arena is the world leader in virtual reality sports training and offers state-of-the-art platforms for ice hockey, tennis and basketball. The company’s ice hockey technology has been used by more than 30 professional hockey teams – including five NHL teams -- 16 NCAA Division I hockey programs, and youth hockey organizations across the globe, with more than 10 million drills completed in the app.

For more information on Sense Arena, visit www.SenseArena.com, or follow Sense Arena on Instagram (@NHLSenseArena), Facebook, Twitter (@SenseArena), and LinkedIn.

About PLAY Hockey

PLAY Hockey is a global leader in youth hockey events, teams, tours and development programs. Headquartered in Winnipeg, MB with regional operations across North America and Europe, the company is growing the game for male and female players of all skill levels at over 120 annual events in seven countries. PLAY Hockey is focused on providing best-in-class experiences for players, families, and community partners. The organization provides opportunities for young players to build friendships, have fun, and create family memories that last a lifetime. Learn more at www.playhockey.com or follow us on all social media platforms at @playhockeyna.

For press inquiries about PLAY Hockey please contact Drew Wilkinson, VP, Marketing and Partnerships – awilkinson@playhockey.com