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ENGAGEMENT HIGH AS FANS FLOCK TO CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT PLAYOFF PULSE
Debut of new second screen application is a hit with hockey fans across the country
In conjunction with the start of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, CBC’s HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA debuted the first ever Hockey Night Playoff Pulse as part of a layered approach to engage and connect with the avid and casual fan.
Playoff Pulse (playoffpulse.cbc.ca) is the ultimate second screen experience, featuring in-game pools, polls and near-live plays that gauge the heartbeat of a nation. To date, over 110,000 visits have been recorded to the site, collecting more than 365,000 overall page views.
“We’re committed to providing Canadian hockey fans with the most engaging and interactive playoff hockey experience possible with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada,” said Trevor Pilling, Head of Programming for CBC Sports and Hockey Night in Canada. “Playoff Pulse captures the heartbeat of our hockey-loving nation by linking the best Stanley Cup Playoff coverage and conversation with everyone from die-hard fanatics to casual viewers as they rally around their favourite teams and players.”
Fans have been weighing in on the daily poll question as well as lighting up the screens in-game to participate. Created by Never.no, debate and opinion is set throughout the day with relevant and timely questions based on what is currently happening in the Playoffs. Tracked data, through May 4, 2012, has consistently shown a spike around 8pm ET on game days, further underlining fans’ interaction during live game broadcasts.
Providing a rink side seat to the best hockey action, Playoff Pulse connects fans to a three-minute recap from every playoff game utilizing NeuLion’s live highlight editor technology and sponsored by Internet Explorer. All the emotion from the big plays, amazing saves, blocked shots and goals are instantly available to enjoy with crystal clear audio and smooth video after the game thanks to the second screen application and the latest Internet Explorer 9 technology.
Finally, the Playoff Pulse allows users to interact with and challenge their friends, as well as hockey fans across Canada, through live hockey pools created by the digital engagement agency LaunchFire. This technology allows users to choose a new lineup for every game and even change their lineups between periods. Tracked through a live leader board, fans can also win great prizes for finishing first.
The Hockey Night in Canada app has also had more than 1 million launches during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs highlighting fans’ desire to stay connected to the action no matter where they find themselves.