HockeyHub Application // 2024
Jessica Campbell's historic appointment as the first female coach in the NHL marked a significant milestone for the league, highlighting its commitment to inclusion to grow the sport. As the NHL strives to expand its fan base, its focus needs to remain on engaging underrepresented groups, including young/new fans, women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and fans with disabilities.
This project explores the development of a mobile app designed specifically to create a welcoming environment that enhances the overall hockey experience for all fans (new, underrepresented, long-term, and others). Providing resources, community engagement, merchandise and ticket sales, and a comprehensive platform for all hockey fans to help grow the community as a whole.
The next golden era of hockey players is now, and it’s time we start marketing the sport to the next generation of fans.
Note: This is an ongoing project. If you would like to work with me, please submit a message here.
I started by thinking of what kind of user base I was creating for
New and Underrepresented Fans include individuals just starting their journey into hockey, encompassing diverse groups such as women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, disabled fans, young fans, and those in non-traditional markets. This app is designed to cater to their unique needs by offering a welcoming and user-friendly experience. Features like a “Hockey 101” section, term breakdowns, and video tutorials will simplify the learning process, helping newcomers grasp the fundamentals of the game. By providing resources that break down barriers to entry, the app aims to foster a sense of belonging and community among these fans.
For Long-Time Fans, the app serves as a comprehensive platform that enhances their ongoing engagement with the sport. While not the primary focus, these users will benefit from the app’s consolidated features, allowing them to easily access player statistics, game updates, and team merchandise—all in one place. This organization not only streamlines their experience but also supports their continued passion for hockey.
Overall, the app prioritizes new and underrepresented fans, ensuring that it creates an inclusive environment where all users can share in the excitement of hockey. By focusing on accessibility and community engagement, the app aims to break down barriers and cultivate a vibrant hockey culture that resonates with fans from all backgrounds.
Then I studied what other hockey apps & platforms were offering …
I explored several hockey apps to understand how they serve the fan community. The Official NHL App stands out as a primary resource for fans, offering live game streaming (with a subscription), team news, and statistics. However, I noticed it might not cater specifically to new or underrepresented fans. There have also been many complaints from even long-term fans that the official app is not intuitive and difficult to navigate. Then there’s theScore, which provides live updates and stats across various sports, including hockey, but sometimes the hockey content gets overshadowed by other sports.
The NBC Sports app allows users to stream NHL games live and access expert analysis, but I found its broader sports focus could dilute the hockey-specific experience. For dedicated hockey enthusiasts, Sportsfusion offers the latest news, live scores, and customizable options to follow favorite teams, which aligns well with my goal of enhancing fan engagement.
I also looked at fantasy sports apps, like CBS Sports Fantasy, which enable long-time fans to manage fantasy hockey teams. While these apps are great for seasoned fans, they often lack educational resources for newcomers. On the other hand, Thuuz Sports keeps fans informed about exciting hockey games, helping them stay engaged with key matchups—this feature could complement the objectives of my app.
And dreamt up ideas of how I wanted the app to function
User Account Creation
The app will allow users to easily sign up and create their accounts through a straightforward registration process. During account setup, users can select their favorite teams, enabling a personalized experience that tailors content based on their preferences. Users will also have the option to choose multiple teams, which can be adjusted as needed.
Team Information Dashboard
The main page of the app will feature a clean and organized dashboard displaying snapshots of the selected teams. Users will see summaries of previous game performances, details about upcoming matches, and profiles of highlighted players, allowing fans to stay updated and engaged at a glance.
Shopping Feature
A dedicated merchandise section will enable fans to purchase official team gear directly through the app. This feature will streamline the shopping experience, making it convenient for users to access their favorite team products without navigating to external websites.
AI-Powered Search Functionality
Users can take advantage of an AI-supported search feature, allowing them to type in questions about hockey—such as explanations of terms or rules. This interactive function aims to break down complex concepts, making the sport more accessible to new fans.
“Hockey 101” Educational Blog
To support beginners, the app will include a “Hockey 101” blog featuring basic rule explanations, terminology breakdowns, and video tutorials that demonstrate key concepts. This content will be easily accessible, helping newcomers learn about the game at their own pace.
Ticket Purchasing
The app will provide users with the ability to purchase tickets for upcoming games directly within the platform using the fan’s location services. This feature enhances user convenience, allowing fans to seamlessly transition from exploring team information to securing their game-day experiences.
Community Engagement Features
A section of the app will facilitate community engagement by allowing users to join interest-based groups, such as "female fans of hockey." This functionality aims to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the hockey community.
Integration with Other Services
The app will feature links to external services, such as fantasy hockey platforms, enabling users to access a broader range of functionalities and enhance their overall hockey experience without leaving the app.
Push Notifications
To keep users informed and engaged, the app will utilize push notifications for important updates, including game reminders, news alerts, and community events, ensuring that fans never miss out on key information.
Accessibility Features
The app will incorporate various accessibility measures to ensure it is user-friendly for all fans, including those with disabilities. Features like voice commands, screen reader compatibility, and customizable display options will be implemented to enhance the user experience for everyone.
