NHL Introduces Apple Watch Technology to Enhance Officiating

The NHL's new custom app for Apple Watches aims to improve game management and safety for referees, debuting at the outdoor Stadium Series game.

The NHL Watch Comms App, developed with Presidio and Apple, provides real-time notifications to on-ice officials via Apple Watches.
Key features include haptic alerts for penalty box timers, period countdowns, and other game-critical events, improving focus and reducing distractions.
The technology enhances safety by helping referees avoid collisions with players and stay out of the way during fast-paced gameplay.
Officials have widely adopted the system, with a 92.5% usage rate since its introduction in September 2024, signaling strong approval of the tool.
The app's debut in an outdoor game setting highlights its utility in environments lacking traditional scoreboards, such as Ohio Stadium for the Stadium Series.