Starting in three markets, PlayVS is piloting Game On: An NHL/NHLPA Scholastic Gaming Initiative, a no-cost competitive gaming program for young players, combining gameplay on the PlayVS platform with local NHL club engagement through the spring and summer.
LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2025 -- PlayVS, the leading amateur esports platform, announced today the launch of a new pilot program Game On: An NHL/NHLPA Scholastic Gaming Initiative, designed to inspire the next generation of hockey fans through competitive esports and skill-building activities in three key NHL Club markets–home to the New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings, and Detroit Red Wings as well as in a national, virtual EA SPORTS NHL® 25 tournament.
The initiative, funded by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund (IGF), is designed to promote access, inclusion, and connection through gaming, while giving young players the chance to engage with their local NHL teams in exciting, interactive ways.
As part of the pilot, players between 13-21 years old will not only be able to participate in the competition, but will also engage in positive, structured gameplay that promotes leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that are crucial both on and off the virtual rink. The program's focus on healthy competition, social connection, and digital literacy is aimed at helping players build essential life skills while fostering a sense of community through gaming.
High schools will also take part in club-specific activations throughout the Spring season, including in-person events and student engagement experiences with the NHL franchises. The first activation took place on March 20 with the New Jersey Devils as part of the team's Devils Gaming Group Theme Night, where 40 students and coaches were hosted at the Devils Gaming Group Lounge at Prudential Center to play EA SPORTS NHL® 25 including special guest appearances by New Jersey Devils Executives, Devils Alumni and Mascot NJ Devil.
To cap off the season, PlayVS will host a virtual national EA SPORTS NHL® 25 tournament from June 13-15th, offering players in the U.S. the chance to compete for top honors and connect with peers across the country. Registration for the tournament will open through PlayVS' Stadium platform in mid-May.
"Gaming has the power to bring today's young players together in ways that are both meaningful and lasting," said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS. "Through this partnership with the NHL/NHLPA's Industry Growth Fund, we're not only creating new opportunities for players to engage with their favorite sport, but also helping them develop critical life skills–like leadership, communication, and resilience–through healthy competition. We're excited to continue expanding access to competitive gaming and making esports and gaming a core part of the school experience."
PlayVS views this pilot with the IGF as the first step in a broader effort to create dynamic esports opportunities for students across North America. The program aims to expand access to esports and further the positive impact it has on students by providing new avenues for social interaction, academic improvement, and skill development.
About PlayVS
PlayVS is North America's leading amateur esports and gaming platform, dedicated to unlocking the many benefits of competitive gaming for students at every level. PlayVS offers a single, comprehensive community where players, coaches, educators, and parents come together to compete, connect, and grow. With the acquisitions of Generation Esports and Playfly Esports, PlayVS now provides the most comprehensive pathway in scholastic esports—from middle school to college. PlayVS is the official high school esports partner of the NFHS Network, the Special Olympics, and 40+ state and regional organizations across the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, visit https://playvs.com.
About NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund
Established in 2013 by the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association, and supported by the NHL's 32 Clubs, the Industry Growth Fund (IGF) was created to support and accelerate the development of NHL and Club business initiatives and projects that promote long-term fan development and increase participation at all levels of hockey with an emphasis on youth.
The IGF focuses on building hockey awareness and avidity both in local Club markets and on a national level (in the United States and Canada) by subsidizing League-wide programs and local Club initiatives, reaching diverse audiences and offering unique hockey opportunities for players and fans.
Since its inception, the IGF has dedicated more than $200 million to develop programming, create initiatives, host events and provide education that drives awareness and brings hockey to communities across North America.
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