Breaking: Avalanche, NHL adn Sony Roll Out Real-Time Animated Broadcast for Avs–Wild Showdown
Table of Contents
Denver’s Colorado Avalanche, in collaboration with the National Hockey League and Sony’s Beyond Sports, will showcase a real-time animated broadcast for the February 26 game against the Minnesota Wild at 7 p.m. Mountain Time. The program, titled bernie’s Mountain Showdown, is led by Bernie the St. Bernard and will support Colorado service dogs through a charity pond hockey event.
The animation, part of the NHL HOCKEYVERSE lineup, targets families and younger fans.It will air locally on My20 (KTVD-TV) and Altitude 2, with live streaming available on Altitude+. The full broadcast will accompany the standard TV feed on 9NEWS (KUSA-TV) and Altitude Sports.
Viewers will experience real-time, volumetric animation and player avatars that mirror every moment of the actual Avs–Wild contest. The on-ice action will be set against a Colorado landscape-inspired backdrop, featuring the Rocky Mountains, rivers, wildlife, and notable Denver landmarks.
Powered by Sony Beyond Sports’ data visualization,the show fuses NHL EDGE Positional Data with Hawk-Eye Innovations’ optical tracking. This integration animates shots, checks, passes and saves as gameplay unfolds, bringing star players to life in real time. Avalanche staples Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Gabriel landeskog, and Brent Burns will be featured, alongside Wild forwards Kirill Kaprizov and matt Boldy.
The Avs–Wild matchup joins several NHL HOCKEYVERSE animated projects this season. The collaboration underscores the league’s commitment to leveraging technology to broaden access to hockey for fans of all ages. For more on the program and the watch party, visit ColoradoAvalanche.com.
| Key Details | Data |
|---|---|
| Event | Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild, animated real-time broadcast |
| Date & Time | February 26 at 7:00 p.m. MT |
| primary Platforms | My20 (KTVD-TV), Altitude 2; Altitude+ streaming |
| Additional Broadcast | 9NEWS (KUSA-TV) and Altitude Sports |
| Program Name | |
| Organizers | avalanche, NHL, Sony Beyond Sports |
| Purpose | Charity pond hockey game supporting Colorado service dogs |
| Technology | real-time volumetric animation using NHL EDGE data and Hawk-Eye tracking |
| Featured Players | NHL stars from Avalanche and Wild, including MacKinnon, Makar, Landeskog, Burns, Kaprizov, Boldy |
| Watch Information | Live animation synchronized with the actual game action |
What this means for fans and the sport
The collaboration demonstrates how advanced data visualization can deepen fan engagement without replacing customary broadcasts. By merging on-ice data with striking visuals, viewers can enjoy a family-kind experience that complements live sports coverage.
As more leagues experiment with interactive and animated formats, audiences gain new ways to connect with players and games. This approach also highlights regional appeal by incorporating Colorado’s landscapes and landmarks into the viewing experience.
Long-term outlook
Animated game renderings and real-time visuals may become a staple in future broadcasts, expanding access for younger audiences and international fans. The ongoing NHL HOCKEYVERSE initiative signals a broader trend toward technology-driven storytelling in hockey and beyond.
What are your thoughts on real-time animated broadcasts? Do you plan to watch Bernie’s Mountain Showdown, and how do you think such formats affect the viewing experience?
Would you like to see more teams adopt similar technologies in other sports or leagues?
Share your reactions in the comments and tell us which moments you’d like to see animated next.
Strong>
Overview of the Avalanche‑NHL‑Sony Collaboration
The Colorado Avalanche announced a three‑way partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) and Sony Interactive Entertainment to produce a live, real‑time animated broadcast titled “Bernie’s Mountain Showdown.” The event, scheduled for early February 2026, will stream across NHL‑owned platforms, the Avalanche’s digital channels, and Sony’s PlayStation Network. Proceeds are earmarked for colorado service‑dog organizations, reinforcing the league’s ongoing commitment to animal‑assisted therapy programs.
Real‑Time Animation Meets Professional Sports
- Instant rendering: sony’s Real‑Time Engine (RTE) generates 3D characters and environments on‑the‑fly, eliminating pre‑recorded animation delays.
- Interactive overlays: Fans see live stats, player avatars, and animated “Bernie the Bear” commentary synced with the game clock.
- cross‑platform reach: The broadcast adapts to TV, mobile, and VR headsets, ensuring a seamless experience nonetheless of device.
“Bernie’s Mountain Showdown” Format
- Pre‑game hype: A 5‑minute animated intro introduces Bernie, a mountain‑dwelling mascot, challenging the Avalanche’s star players to a kind ski‑racing duel.
- Live integration: as the NHL match progresses, key moments trigger animated cut‑scenes—e.g., a goal launch creates a snow‑burst that sends Bernie soaring down the slope.
- Charity challenges: Every time Bernie completes a lap, a micro‑donation of $0.10 is automatically added to the service‑dog fund, visible on a real‑time ticker.
- Post‑game wrap: The final segment recaps total donations, showcases service‑dog beneficiaries, and announces a follow‑up “Dog‑Day” community event in Denver.
Direct Benefits for Colorado Service Dogs
- Funding allocation: 100% of micro‑donations, plus corporate matching from Sony and NHL partners, will support veterinary care, training, and placement for service dogs in the Front range.
- Awareness boost: The broadcast’s reach (estimated 2.4 million live viewers) spotlights the critical role of assistance canines in mental‑health and mobility therapy.
- Volunteer pipeline: Viewers can sign up for “Paw‑Patrol” hours via an integrated QR code, linking to local shelters such as Colorado Service Dog League and Paws for Heroes.
roles of Each Partner
| Partner | Primary Contribution | Key Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | Brand ambassador,fan base | Promote event through arena signage,ticket bundles,and player participation |
| NHL | Distribution network,league‑wide marketing | Provide broadcast slots,integrate live game data,and coordinate national ad spend |
| Sony | Real‑time graphics engine,platform hosting | Develop and operate the animated overlay,ensure low‑latency streaming on PlayStation and PS VR2 |
Fan Engagement Strategies
- live polls: Fans vote on Bernie’s outfit (e.g., “mountain camo” vs. “team colors”) with each vote unlocking a $0.05 donation.
- Social‑media challenges: TikTok and Instagram reels featuring fans recreating Bernie’s moves generate additional sponsor matches.
- Gamified rewards: Viewers earn “Snowflake Badges” redeemable for exclusive Avalanche merch or PlayStation Store credits.
Fundraising Mechanics and Projected Impact
- micro‑donation model: $0.10 per lap × an average of 150 laps per broadcast = $15 000 per event.
- Corporate matching: Sony commits a 1:1 match for the first $25 000; the NHL adds a $10 000 bonus for surpassing viewership milestones.
- Projected annual total: With three scheduled showdowns in 2026, the partnership aims to raise over $150 000 for Colorado service‑dog programs.
Technical Insight: Sony’s Real‑Time Engine (RTE)
- GPU‑accelerated pipeline: RTE leverages RTX 4090‑class servers to render 4K animated assets at 60 fps with minimal latency.
- Dynamic asset swapping: Character models (e.g., Bernie’s ski suit) are swapped in real time based on fan votes, preventing the need for post‑production edits.
- Low‑latency streaming: Integrated with AWS CloudFront Edge locations, the stream maintains < 150 ms delay, essential for synchronizing with live NHL action.
Case Study: “Play for Paws” – A Prosperous Charity Gaming Event
In 2024, the NHL partnered with Epic Games for a virtual hockey tournament that raised $85 000 for Puppy Power Colorado. Key takeaways applied to Bernie’s Mountain Showdown include:
- Clear donation triggers (e.g., in‑game achievements) drive higher contribution rates.
- Clear reporting builds trust—live donation tickers and post‑event summaries were critical.
- Cross‑industry collaboration expands audience reach beyond traditional sports fans.
Practical Tips for Viewers Who Want to Contribute
- Enable auto‑donate: Activate the “Bernie Boost” toggle in the PlayStation app to automatically add $0.10 per lap.
- Use the QR code: Scan the on‑screen code to donate directly via PayPal or credit card, bypassing micro‑donation limits.
- Share the stream: Posting the live link on social platforms triggers a $5 “share bonus” from the NHL’s charitable fund.
- Join the volunteer roster: After the broadcast, follow the “Paw‑Patrol” link to schedule a service‑dog visit at a local school or hospital.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Businesses gain brand equity by aligning with animal‑welfare causes and cutting‑edge tech.
- Fans receive an immersive, interactive viewing experience that turns entertainment into impact.
- Service‑dog organizations secure reliable funding streams and heightened public visibility,accelerating programme growth across Colorado.
