Greg Wyshynski, ESPNJun 5, 2024, 10:30 AM ET
CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.
The Stanley Cup Final will be broadcast in American Sign Language for the first time by way of an alternate stream available in the U.S. and Canada.
The NHL and P-X-P have created “NHL in ASL,” which will be available on ESPN+ and Sportsnet+ for every game of the series between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers that begins Saturday night. It will be the first fully immersive viewing experience for the deaf community by a professional sports league, according to the NHL.
“To me this is like, this is where streaming and technology, innovation and risk taking all sort of comes together,” said John Lasker, senior vice president for ESPN+. “I’m really excited to see what it’s like, what the community thinks of it and what comes after it.”
The telecast will feature deaf broadcasters — Jason Altmann, the COO of P-X-P and a longtime NHL fan, and Noah Blankenship, who was selected from a pool of around 50 candidates — providing coverage through ASL.
“This will not be your traditional play-by-play and color commentary, but rather something more conversational and relaxed in nature, providing a deeper layer of additional storytelling,” said Steve Mayer, NHL senior executive vice president and chief content officer.
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Brice Christianson, the founder and CEO of P-X-P, a company that aims to elevate accessibility and inclusion in professional sports for the deaf/hard of hearing community, said there has been countless hours of research, rehearsal and prep leading into the studio show.
“This would usually be a one-and-done thing. But the NHL has committed to the whole Stanley Cup Final and elevating the deaf and hard of hearing experience through our partnership,” he said. “I’m excited for the world to see what the deaf community is capable of. They just need to be given opportunities.”
The broadcast will be tailored to the deaf community beyond the announcing….
Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/40282701/stanley-cup-final-offer-american-sign-language-broadcast
Author : Greg Wyshynski
Publish date : 2024-06-05 15:30:05
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