NHL to give fans a players view of the game by sending GoPro cameras onto the ice

NHL stars will wear GoPro cameras mounted on their helmets while they play the game, giving viewers an exciting angle

WASHINGTON: Ice hockey fans will get a new perspective on the fast-moving game when National Hockey League players don GoPro cameras, starting with this weekend's all-star fixture.

It's the first time that GoPro manufacturer has struck a partnership deal with a professional sports league, the league said Friday.

"The NHL will use GoPro's innovative equipment and expertise to deliver hockey fans never-before-seen perspectives of the game," it said in a statement.

Players on Saturday will take to the ice with helmet-mounted GoPros -- high-definition video cameras popular when filming extreme sports -- at the NHL's all-star skills competition, then on Sunday at the widely-watch all-star classic.

Both games are being played in Columbus, Ohio.

Going forward, regular NHL games will be captured on GoPro for national and regional telecasts as well as online streaming on GoPro and NHL websites, the league said.

"On-ice footage of the best players in the world is among the point-of-view GoPro content fans can expect this season," it added.

In return, GoPro will enjoy what the league called "prominent brand exposure" on NHL broadcast, digital and social media platforms.