Battles From the Bench

SAP and the NHL collaborated on the NHL-SAP Coaching Insights app, a tool to help coaches make smarter decisions by tracking game data in real-time, using cutting edge sensors and analytics. It’ll change how hockey is played, but not in a way thats obvious to fans.

SAP wanted to show the public, and specifically, potential business decision-makers, how the app–and its data–were a powerful management tool. So we used VR to give fans the chance to become an NHL coach and try it out first hand, under pressure.

In Battles from the Bench, users were dropped into the role of head coach of the San Jose Sharks as they faced off against the New York Rangers. With the help of the app, they were asked to make a series of game-defining decisions, which they watched play out on in the ice in full 360.

Fans got their first chance to play Battles From the Bench at the NHL All Star Game, where even some of the Sharks players featured in the game took a turn. It’s since become a demo tool at a variety of SAP events.