Revolutionary Apple Watch Technology Supports NHL Referees
NHL referees will have a simpler time managing game clocks during the upcoming Stadium Series game between the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets. Instead of searching for a clock in the vast Ohio Stadium, they will rely on vibrations from special Apple Watches.
The NHL, in collaboration with Apple and Presidio, has developed the NHL Watch Comms App, which is designed for on-ice officials. This app alerts referees through haptic signals to important game moments, such as when the period is about to end or when a power play is nearing its conclusion. Officials have been using the app throughout the 2024-25 season, but this weekend will see its debut at an NHL outdoor game.
Stephen Walkom, the NHL’s executive vice president of hockey operations and a former referee himself, emphasized the technology’s significance. He noted that it can be challenging for referees to stay focused on the game while trying to locate a clock in different rink setups, especially in larger venues. The new system helps officials keep their attention on the players rather than constantly searching for the game time, which can lead to missed calls.
The partnership between the NHL and Apple dates back to 2017 when iPads were first introduced on team benches for real-time play reviews. Following the success of using technology for coaches and players, the NHL turned its focus to enhancing the experience for officials. According to Andres de Corral of Presidio, the app serves three primary purposes: displaying the game clock, showing which players are in the penalty box, and providing a running timer for penalties. Referees receive wrist vibrations when a power play is about to end, which helps them avoid oncoming players during fast-paced play.
Walkom recalled incidents during his refereeing days where split-second decisions were crucial for safety. The notification system alerts officials when time is running low in a period, with different vibrations corresponding to 10, 3, 2, and 1 second remaining. This allows referees to remain aware of their surroundings and focus on the action on the ice.
The watches gather data directly from the NHL’s OASIS system, which is part of the NHL Edge puck and player tracking technology, rather than relying on arena clocks. This method significantly reduces the lag time between real-time plays and what officials receive on their watches. The watches utilize cellular signals for connectivity, which enhances their reliability.
Since the NHL Watch Comms App launched in September 2024, about 92.5% of NHL on-ice officials have adopted the technology. Those who have not yet done so are reportedly waiting for custom watch bands.
The NHL is exploring further uses for this technology. Currently, the NHL Edge system tracks player movements, but the data has not been released publicly as it is still being verified for accuracy. Eventually, the NHL hopes to use the app to inform officials if a puck makes contact with a high stick, allowing for quicker, more accurate decisions.
Future capabilities may also include notifications for pucks that go into the netting behind the goals or alerting referees if a puck crosses the goal line when visibility is obstructed. This could further enhance the officiating process by providing additional support for those in the arena.
Overall, the introduction of the NHL Watch Comms App illustrates a significant advancement in how technology can assist officials on the ice, and there is potential for even broader applications in the future, enhancing communication not just among on-ice officials but also with those in video review areas. The NHL is just starting to tap into the possibilities that this technology presents.
