PlayVS to launch hockey gaming initiative with NHL support

PlayVS has announced the launch of a new gaming initiative in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL).

Known as Game On: An NHL/NHLPA Scholastic Gaming Initiative, the programme will launch across three markets within the United States.

The amateur esports platform will operate the initiative, and it is funded by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund. It aims to provide players with a new way of engaging with their local NHL teams.

According to a release, the initiative is ‘designed to inspire the next generation of hockey fans through competitive esports and skill-building activities’ across New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Detroit. In addition to local activations, PlayVS will also host a national EA Sports NHL 25 tournament from June 13th to 15th, 2025, to round off the season.

“Gaming has the power to bring today’s young players together in ways that are both meaningful and lasting,” said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS.

“Through this partnership, we’re not only creating new opportunities for players to engage with their favourite sport, but also helping them develop critical life skills like leadership, communication through healthy competition.”

Each of the three ice hockey clubs will collaborate with local high schools, where students can participate in events and experiences designed to engage students.

PlayVS is one of North America’s largest amateur esports platforms. In April, it acquired Generation Esports and Playfly College Esports, uniting collegiate esports initiatives under a single ecosystem.

Ice hockey has dabbled in the esports industry over the past five years. In 2024, EA Sports hosted a world championship event involving all 32 NHL Clubs.

Since then, the ice hockey league’s involvement in esports has reduced domestically and internationally. It’s unclear if the publisher has any plans on reviving the title’s esports scene in 2025.

For PlayVS, the initiative has the potential to attract a new generation of fans through its gaming and esports events in the three markets. If successful, there’s a possibility of the initiative expanding across other areas of the United States.