NBC Sports and corporate sister Versus this week will begin a digital integration for the NHL playoffs in which NBCSports.com will become the online hockey hub for both networks.
Eyed as an initial move toward a larger, forthcoming digital integration within the NBC Sports Group, NBCSports.com will pool existing hockey content, such as its growing ProHockeyTalk blog, along with exclusive online analysis, video and social media material from Versus’ NHL talent.
The online integration effort will also include live streaming and alternate camera angles from NBC’s network coverage of the NHL playoffs.
“Mergers are always interesting things, but we’re combining our best assets, and what’s happening here with hockey is the first step of more such moves we’ll make in this area,” said Kevin Monaghan, NBC Sports senior vice president of business development and managing director for digital media.
Ultimately, all of Versus.com will likely reside within NBCSports.com, Monaghan said. More immediately, a similar digital integration effort is likely to occur for Tour de France coverage this summer.
NBC and Versus, meanwhile, will conduct a social-media-oriented promotion this week in which a Zamboni redecorated to look like an ice cream truck will travel to several NHL playoff markets. Staffers will hand out free ice cream and numerous hockey-related prizes such as playoff tickets, jerseys and other autographed merchandise, with a key goal of boosting viewership of the playoff broadcasts.
