The NHL has announced a groundbreaking partnership with P-X-P to create an alternate telecast in American Sign Language (ASL) for the Deaf community, starting with the upcoming Winter Classic on December 31. This initiative follows the successful debut of NHL in ASL during the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, which marked the first major sports event to feature two Deaf commentators providing live analysis in ASL. The collaboration highlights the league’s commitment to making its broadcasts more inclusive and accessible to a broader audience.
The Winter Classic ASL telecast will stream on Max in the United States and Sportsnet+ in Canada, offering viewers a unique experience tailored to the Deaf community. The broadcast will include two Deaf commentators, Jason Altmann from P-X-P and Noah Blankenship from Denver’s Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, who will appear on the right side of a split screen. Natural sounds from the arena, such as officials’ calls and skates on the ice, will be included, while hearing commentators will be absent, emphasizing the immersive ASL experience.
Steve Mayer, the NHL’s chief content officer, highlighted the significance of this initiative as a production “for the Deaf by the Deaf,” aiming to provide a fully immersive and accessible viewing experience. Special graphics like a crowd intensity meter will further enhance the telecast, catering to the Deaf community’s needs while preserving the excitement of live hockey. Mayer encouraged fans to tune in and experience this unique broadcast, showcasing the NHL’s leadership in inclusivity within the sports industry.
This effort addresses a long-standing gap in accessibility for the Deaf community, as traditional closed captioning, available for over four decades, falls short of providing true engagement. By incorporating live ASL analysis, the NHL’s initiative bridges this gap, making the sport more enjoyable and comprehensible for Deaf viewers. The inclusion of natural arena sounds also ensures a multisensory experience that resonates with fans.
P-X-P’s Jason Altmann expressed pride in the partnership, praising the NHL as a pioneer in Deaf inclusion and accessibility in sports. The success of the NHL in ASL during the Stanley Cup Final and its return for the Winter Classic demonstrate the growing recognition of the Deaf community in sports broadcasting. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for all hockey fans.
