Disney plans to animate a live NHL match between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers, using characters from the Disney Channel series "Big City Greens."
The modified hockey broadcast will air on Disney Channel and Disney XD on March 14 at 7 pm ET, while also streaming on Disney+.
- Utilizing pre-existing NHL technology that maps player and puck movements, the "Big City Greens" characters and world will be laid on top of the actual game footage, with their actions based on the live hockey match.
- Additional worldbuilding details from "Big City Greens" will be added into the background, such as supporting characters watching the action in the stands.
- The goal is to begin winning over young hockey fans, ultimately graduating them from Disney Channel regulars into ESPN viewers.
- While previous generations tended to get into sports through actual game attendance, new research indicates that younger fans are discovering their favorite leagues and players via social media and digital platforms.
