NHL Referees Adopt Apple Watches for Enhanced In-Game Awareness

The NHL's collaboration with Apple introduces wearable tech to improve officiating precision and safety during games.

The NHL has partnered with Apple to equip referees with Apple Watches running a custom NHL Watch Comms app for real-time game updates.
The watches use haptic feedback to alert officials of key events, such as penalty box exits and period countdowns, allowing them to stay focused on the ice.
Officials can choose between the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 10 models, with the devices provided specifically for in-game use.
The app syncs with the NHL's OASIS system, leveraging player tracking and game data to ensure accurate, lag-free notifications.
The technology aims to improve situational awareness, reduce safety risks, and may expand to include additional officiating tools in the future.