Going Digital: How Hockey Fans Can Pursue Interests Online With Esports & The NHL
Esports 2020
© Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

With most major sports seasons on hold, many fans are turning to Esports to satisfy their sports appetite and this includes hockey fans. Online hockey allows fans to stay engaged with the game they love, support their favorite teams while enjoying the game they know and love.

Why Hockey Fans Should Consider Engaging With Esports

Going digital is almost a necessity these days. From paying bills to booking vacations to browsing through the latest celebrity gossip, the world wide web provides a basis for everything we do. Why not utilize it for hockey as well? Many dedicated fans are already doing so through online forums and hockey-related websites. With the advent of Esports, the opportunities expand even more.

Exploring the online world of hockey gaming allows individuals to discover another side of the sport and become part of a growing online fan base. It helps everyone keep up with the latest industry news, and enables fans to get their fix when the regular season ends.

It’s also accessible from anywhere, meaning you can engage whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Whether you want to try your hand at some online play yourself or follow the professional teams, Esports can add a touch of spice to your hockey life and provide some much-needed variety in your experience.

How Esports Can Connect Fans with Hockey & the NHL

Esports itself tends to conjure up images of high-action shooters or RPGs, but sports simulators are beginning to gain significant traction in the industry. Developers have begun to put out more sports-related games, and that spells good news for fans looking to take advantage of the digital side of hockey.

There are plenty of amateur online hockey teams and individual players for enthusiasts to watch, and this is a great way to begin viewership. However, official NHL online gaming is also available nowadays. This comes as no surprise—nearly every professional sports league has hopped on the Esports trend, and the NHL is no exception. When they entered the world of Esports back in 2018, fans were quick to take advantage of this new facet of the hockey experience.

Why is that? Esports offers a realistic and thrilling experience. NHL Esports players are professional gamers with sharp eyes and keen instincts. Though there are many differences between online play and real-life hockey, the virtual teams provide just as much action and excitement as our beloved players do on the rink—and you can keep up with them just as easily, right from your living room.

 Many hockey teams have been partnering up with their Esports counterparts to promote both aspects of the game. This helps fans connect to the online version of hockey in a way that wouldn’t be possible without the familiar faces of our most celebrated real-life players. With Esports teams and on-the-ice teams intertwined and able to showcase their talents in tandem, awareness is growing for each side of the industry.

This is a good thing, as it provides a win-win situation for those who hope to branch out into other areas of hockey while remaining loyal to their favorite teams. It provides an ever-present online community that players and fans can connect to at the touch of a button, spurring the growth of the NHL and the hockey industry as a whole.

How Fans Can Get the Most Out of NHL Esports Online

Tiy can watch live NHL Esports teams or amateurs go at it on streaming sites like Twitch, or simply catch the highlights after the fact. The longer you watch, the more you’ll get into the digital game and discover just how thoroughly it can scratch your hockey itch. If you want to satisfy those cravings, you’ll want to take advantage of every facet of Esports—and depending on your preferences, that could include things like betting as well.

For many fans, placing bets is one of the most exciting parts of the game. If that sounds like you, you’ll be happy to know that wagering is available for Esports hockey, just like it is for live NHL games. In fact, it’s a major aspect of the industry, and you can do it online right from your computer or phone. If you can’t wait to dive in, it’s a good idea to discover the ins and outs of Esports betting and how you can get the most out of your experience.

So, how can fans get even more information about the upcoming games? It’s a good idea to follow the official NHL gaming page to keep up with all the latest wins and losses in the online arena. Check out individual player rankings to see where the season is, and follow along with the Daily Digest to stay up to date on industry news and information each day.

Still not enough? You can go deeper. Join the conversation, subscribe to different streamers’ channels and even follow NHL Esports on social media. Study different Esports pros, learning more about them to understand their unique style and skillset. No matter how dedicated you want to get with hockey Esports, there’s something for you to explore within your comfort zone—so don’t be afraid to do your research and dive in.

Now that you know how to get your hockey fix on the internet, you’re ready to take your love for the NHL to the next level. Remember, you don’t have to fret once the season is over. All you need to do is fire up your computer, log on, and get ready for an action-packed adventure from the comfort of your own home.