PlayVS Reveals Game On, in Cooperation With NHL and NHLPA

Key insights

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New Initiative

PlayVS has launched 'Game On,' a no-cost scholastic gaming initiative for students aged 13–21.

This program is designed to foster community, inclusion, and skill development among high school students. It aims to integrate competitive gaming into the scholastic experience.

Hybrid Model

The 'Game On' program features local club engagement alongside a national online tournament.

It operates through a hybrid model, combining online gameplay on the PlayVS platform with localized, in-person engagement. This approach aims to strengthen connections between young fans and professional hockey franchises.

Program Design. The program features local club engagement with the New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, and Detroit Red Wings, alongside a national online tournament.

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Summary

PlayVS has launched Game On, a scholastic esports initiative developed in collaboration with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA). Funded by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, the program is designed to foster community, inclusion, and skill development among high school students aged 13 to 21 across the United States. By integrating competitive gaming into the scholastic experience, the initiative aims to strengthen the connection between young fans and professional hockey franchises.

The program operates through a hybrid model that combines online gameplay on the PlayVS platform with localized, in-person engagement. Initial activations are focused on three specific NHL markets: the New Jersey Devils, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Detroit Red Wings. These club-specific events provide students with opportunities to interact with team executives, alumni, and mascots, as demonstrated by a March 2025 event hosted by the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.

The initiative will culminate in a national, virtual tournament featuring EA Sports NHL 25, scheduled for June 13–15, 2025. Registration for this event is facilitated through the PlayVS Stadium platform. By leveraging the reach of professional sports organizations, the program seeks to promote the NHL brand while simultaneously teaching students critical life skills such as leadership, communication, and resilience through structured, healthy competition.