VOL 26 | ISSUE 12 | MARCH 24, 2025
The Boston Bruins, owned by Delaware North Chairman Jeremy Jacobs, teamed up with the National Hockey League (NHL) and broadcast partner the New England Sports Network (NESN) to air a real-time, animated data-visualization alt-cast called “Best Snow Day Ever” on March 11.
The live animated program, featuring the Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers game, incorporated NHL EDGE data to provide a cartoonish overlay to the NHL action.
Geared toward young fans, “Best Snow Day Ever” aired locally on NESN+ and the NESN 360 app, taking viewers on an imaginary adventure with the Boston Bruins mascot Blades as he is transported into a snow globe of an animated Boston Common.
The animated data visualization also incorporated STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lessons and appearances from Boston Bruins players during intermissions designed to make learning even more fun.
“‘Best Snow Day Ever’ is more than just bringing hockey into a fantasy environment; our program is designed to educate and engage younger audiences and families with integrated STEM lessons throughout the program, which can live on in classrooms well beyond March 11,” said Andrea Mazzarelli, vice president of marketing for the Boston Bruins, in a press release last month.
Viewers also experienced a Boston-centric narrative, showcasing local landmarks, history and culture, including company-owned-and-operated TD Garden, all while highlighting STEM lessons tying back to the on-ice action.
“We’re constantly searching for innovative ways to bring sports to new audiences,” said Josh Jun, vice president of content for NESN. “This animated data visualization provides us the opportunity to reach kids in a fun, relevant and educational way – because while fans may not consider it, sports are all grounded in STEM – from the speed of the puck to the angle of the shot.”
Numerous media outlets covered the cutting-edge alt-cast, including The Boston Globe, Sports Business Journal and WIRED.
Click here to watch highlights on the Boston Bruins’ YouTube channel.