With NFTs hitting the basketball court, football field, and octagon, it was only a matter of time before the innovation found its way to the hockey rink. The new technology will be harnessed by the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) through a new partnership the organization has struck with Vancouver-based Network Media Group Inc.

Launching in the fall of 2022, Network and the HHOF will develop a fan-focused NFT program that will encourage peer-to-peer collaboration and incentives for fans to interact with their HHOF digital collectibles, unlocking new rewards and experiences in the process.

The project aims to attract a global sporting and cultural fan base that’s inspired by the game of hockey, and its history, archive and exhibits.

“This NFT initiative with the HHOF is an important and foundational partnership for Network that I am very excited about as we collaborate with IP holders across media and entertainment to unlock the countless opportunities ahead in this digital platform,” said Tom Lombardi, president of Network NFT Studios. “Our team is ecstatic to kick off Network's journey in the two largest and fastest-growing NFT categories today: global sports and historic collectibles.”

Network has a winning record when it comes to major projects with HHOF, according to its president and CEO, Jeff Denomme, who called its history of content excellence “the motivating force to collaborate together on developing a dynamic Hockey Hall of Fame NFT project.”

In addition to the NFT project, Network is also producing a 10-part television series, "Legends of Hockey: Greatness Calling 2000-20", including hockey legends Mark Messier, Brett Hull, Ray Borque, Joe Sakic, Doug Gilmour, Patrick Roy, Cammi Granato, and Hayley Wickenheiser for TSN and the HHOF, scheduled to premiere in November 2022.

The deal comes half a year after Network received a strategic investment from HIVE Blockchain Technologies and U.S. Global Investors. The company said this agreement is just the first step of its foray into the emerging NFT space.