Key Takeaways
- Six teams from Florida universities will pitch hockey growth solutions on January 22 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, selected from 28 submissions across 12 schools
- Four of the six finalist pitches directly address youth accessibility through virtual reality training, portable AI-enabled micro-rinks, and mobile gaming applications
- The NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund competition pairs student teams with SAP and ESPN mentors for business development ahead of final presentations
- Project proposals focus on three innovation pillars: supporting people who power sport, expanding spaces for play, and putting fun back at the center
- A separate Ontario-based competition opens with final pitches scheduled for March 25 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa
Florida Students Target Hockey’s Accessibility Gap
The NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund has selected six university teams to present final pitches for its 2026 Hockey Innovation Competition presented by SAP, the league announced January 14. The competition, entering its second season in Florida, received 28 submissions from students at 12 colleges and universities across the state.
Final presentations take place January 22 at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando, where teams will pitch to a panel of industry judges. Each finalist team receives one-on-one mentorship from SAP and ESPN experts leading up to the event.
The competition is supported by SAP and ESPN’s Take Back Sports initiative, powered by Disney. The NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund was established in 2013 and is supported by all 32 NHL clubs to promote long-term fan development and increase participation at youth levels.
Four Teams Build Around Youth Participation Barriers
Multiple finalist pitches address traditional hockey accessibility challenges through technology and alternative formats.
Florida A&M University’s “AI Hockey Hub” proposes portable micro-rinks that convert community spaces like school gyms into hockey training environments. The concept integrates synthetic tiles, AI-powered motion tracking, smart pucks, and skill-based missions to eliminate barriers related to cost, ice availability, and staffing requirements.
A second Florida A&M team presents “The Ultimate Breakthrough,” combining three access points: a VR training program called “Rink Reality,” a mobile pop-up experience “Rink on Wheels,” and a motion-based app “Mobile Sense” that converts smartphones into interactive hockey sticks.
University of South Florida’s “Hockey Unidos” targets Florida’s Hispanic and Latino communities through hockey-themed pop-up experiences featuring ball hockey rinks, food trucks, live music, giveaways, influencer engagement, and Spanish-language NHL broadcasts.
University of Miami’s “Gripz on Ice” proposes NHL collaboration with VarsityGripz to expand presence in the hockey gaming ecosystem through gaming platforms, NHL Club-branded customizations, and community engagement targeting youth players.
Infrastructure and Support Systems Round Out Finalist Pitches
Stetson University College of Law’s “Project Playmaker” addresses Florida’s ice facility shortage through a mixed-use, multi-sheet rink development model. The proposal leverages municipal government partnerships, private investors, sports tourism, and bed-tax financing to expand year-round hockey access.
University of Florida’s “Beyond the Stripes” focuses on NHL on-ice officials through a league-wide initiative combining fan engagement with mental performance support. The program includes appreciation events, editorial features, meet-and-greets, personalized jerseys, and sport-psychology resources.
Competition Expands to Ontario With Sustainability Focus
The third edition of the Hockey Innovation Competition presented by SAP is now open to Ontario-based graduate and undergraduate students. Final pitches will take place March 25 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, with themes centered on reimagining hockey infrastructure to be more sustainable, multi-functional, and technologically advanced while enhancing family and community experience.
via: NHL
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