Why NHL players are using infrared saunanas at games, says Vacu step competitor
When the Stanley Cup playoffs are starting up again this weekend, the NHL is hoping its fans will still be watching the NHL on TV and on the web to catch a glimpse of the action.
But not everyone will be tuning in to see the best players battle it out in the Stanley Cups.
In the past few weeks, several teams have begun to use infrared sauna suites at games to give their fans an even closer look at the action from the stands.
In a bid to attract fans and draw more sponsors to their games, the National Hockey League has put out promotional materials to entice fans to try out the technology.
In recent weeks, some NHL players have begun using the infrared sausas at the start of the playoffs.
“The NHL wants to make sure everyone who comes to our games has the opportunity to experience the NHL, whether it’s for the first time or for the last,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
“It’s about building a more exciting, more enjoyable and more entertaining season for our fans.”
While the NHL has been trying to get fans interested in using infrared and infrared savant technology, some teams have opted not to use it for the playoffs, despite fans’ desire to see how it works.
The players have also faced criticism from fans and players alike for the decision.
“We just feel like we have to take a look at it and make sure it’s going to work,” Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty told ESPN.
“If it doesn’t work, we’ll just have to keep doing what we do.
But we don’t want to be part of it, we don [want] to be on the cutting edge.”
According to the league, the infrared and savant suites can help increase the visibility of the arena.
When a player is in the infrared room, fans can’t see the rink, but the NHL can still see how the game is played.
Players in the sauna can also see where the puck is going and can even control the speed of the puck.
“This is a unique technology that’s going into arenas across the country,” Bettman added.
“I think it’s a tremendous addition to the hockey world, it’s exciting and it’s something that every hockey fan in the world is looking forward to.”
