NHL GameCenter Live brings streaming hockey games to PS3 starting today

ByScuttlebug

Nov 10, 2010

NHL fans will want to check the PlayStation Store right now. Sony and the NHL have just announced an exclusive partnership that enables PS3 owners to watch live hockey games through the NHL GameCenter Live app on the PlayStation Network. The app, which will exist under the Video section of the XMB, will be available for $9.99 or for free to PlayStation Plus members.

The interface of the app should be familiar to anyone that’s tried MLB.tv, released earlier this year on PS3. With the app installed, PS3 owners will be able to access features like post-game highlights, team schedules, standings, player stats and profiles, and the full NHL scoreboard. Fans that subscribe to the GameCenter Live service ($169 annually) will get additional features, most notably the ability to stream live out-of-market games and “select” playoff broadcasts. In addition to the live streams, subscribers will get access to full-length and condensed replays of games 48 hours after they air (no blackouts). Included with membership is access to the NHL Vault, which gives you instant access to full replays of classic NHL games, going as far back to the 1960s.

NHL’s Senior Director of Digital Business Development Alexandre G. Simon told us that the decision to partner with Sony exclusively was an easy one, after a successful experience selling content on the PlayStation Network’s video service. According to Simon, the GameCenter app is a huge opportunity for the league to expand its reach to gamers who may be familiar with the NHL games, but haven’t had the ability to regularly follow live games. With no ISP restrictions, and with “about half” of fans following out-of-market teams, the GameCenter app might just lure in some new followers — especially for those who don’t subscribe or have access to the Versus cable channel, where the NHL currently resides.

Gallery: NHL GameCenter LIVE (PS3)