ESPN and Sportsnet are breaking new ground with a broadcast innovation in the Stanley Cup Final, offering an alternate stream featuring American Sign Language.
The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers begin their series on Saturday, and “NHL in ASL” will be available on ESPN+ and Sportsnet+ for each game.
The broadcast is a combined venture between the NHL and P-X-P, and the league says it is a “first-of-its-kind” effort for a pro sports championship.
Rather than traditional play-by-play calls, the ASL broadcast will feature descriptions of major plays, referee calls and rule explanations, among other commentary.
Jason Altmann, P-X-P’s chief operating officer who is third-generation Deaf, and Noah Blankenship will handle the ASL broadcast duties.
“The opportunity to do a Deaf-centric broadcast of a premier sporting event in ASL is a positive, seismic change for the Deaf community,” Altmann said (via NHL.com). “As a sports fan growing up, I couldn’t relate with the broadcasters because some elements were not well captured with closed captioning. Now, we are creating an opportunity for Deaf sports fans and viewers to watch Deaf broadcasters and feel engaged through ASL.”
The NHL has partnered with P-X-P in previous ASL broadcast efforts for the Winter Classic, Heritage Classic, NHL All-Star Weekend, and Stadium Series. Steve Mayer, NHL Senior Executive Vice President, and Chief Content Officer said the league hopes to expand those ASL efforts next season.
Other sports may soon follow. On Saturday, TNT Sports produced a soccer match between the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team and Australia, featuring an on-screen ASL presentation.
[NHL.com]
