NHL Unlocked: Live cloud production, sports data, and alternate feeds (MAE201)

NHL's Journey with AWS: Enabling Cloud Production and Data-Driven Innovation

Encoding and Scheduling: Laying the Foundation

  • The NHL had to first focus on getting all their video content into the cloud before they could start exploring more advanced use cases.
  • This involved building a system to automate the ingestion and scheduling of game feeds, camera feeds, and other video assets into the cloud using AWS services like MediaConnect.
  • This foundational work was crucial to enable the NHL's later move to live cloud production.

Leveraging Data and Analytics

  • The NHL used AWS to collect and analyze granular player and puck tracking data, capturing 1.5 billion data points per period of play.
  • This data enabled the development of analytics products like Shot and Save Analytics, Face-off Probability, and Opportunity Analysis.
  • These analytics were designed to be easily digestible and tell compelling stories for broadcasters and fans.
  • The NHL worked closely with broadcasters to help them understand and incorporate these new data-driven insights into their coverage.

Live Cloud Production

  • The NHL started exploring live cloud production, first with a proof-of-concept game in 2020 and then ramping up to produce an entire game in the cloud in March 2022.
  • This approach allowed the NHL to distribute the production workflow across multiple locations, with functions like technical directing, replay, and graphics being handled remotely.
  • Producing games in the cloud enabled significant sustainability benefits, reducing the NHL's carbon footprint compared to traditional on-premise production.

Alternate Broadcasts and Fan Engagement

  • The NHL leveraged the flexibility of cloud production to experiment with alternate broadcast formats, such as the "Big City Greens" animated version and the American Sign Language broadcast.
  • These alternate feeds allowed the NHL to engage new and diverse audiences, with the "Big City Greens" broadcast attracting a much younger, more female-skewed demographic.
  • The data-driven broadcasts, like the NHL Edge Unlocked, provided fans with deeper insights and engagement opportunities, such as being able to follow the "ice tilt" momentum shifts.

Looking Ahead

  • The NHL and AWS are continuing to explore new ways to leverage the cloud and data to enhance the fan experience, including:
    • Supercharging the NHL's highlight production with cloud-based tools and AI
    • Integrating more real-time data visualizations and insights directly into traditional broadcasts
    • Expanding the reach and accessibility of the NHL's content through personalized and customizable viewing experiences

The NHL's journey with AWS has been a deliberate and collaborative process, focused on building the foundations to unlock new levels of innovation and fan engagement in the world of professional hockey.

Your Digital Journey deserves a great story.

Build one with us.

Cookies Icon

These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with this website and allow us to remember you. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, as well as for analytics.

If you decline, your information won’t be tracked when you visit this website. A single cookie will be used in your browser to remember your preference.

Talk to us