iPads on the Bench: Tech Meets Hockey Grit

0:00It's March 25th. This is Canada News Today, driven by AI. San Jose Shark Center. Maclin Celebrini spends a lot of time on the bench staring at his iPad, reviewing plays right after they happen. This has become a common sight across the league, over the past decade, with digital tablets giving players and coaches instant replays during games. Teams have rules to manage it, by only pulling out the iPads during TV timeouts, to avoid distractions during line changes. Coaches sometimes joke it feels like running an Apple Store, but they understand the appeal for quick feedback on shots or passes. Players have mixed feelings. Some, especially younger ones, used to screens, love the instant info and use it to tweak technique. Others worry, it pulls focus from the fast-paced game, urging everyone to forget mistakes and stay in the moment. Veteran coaches like Anaheim's Joel Quinn-Aville tolerated, but don't push it, preferring to review ref calls over player errors. Stars like New Jersey's Jack Hughes, note its best in moderation to avoid overthinking on the bench.

1:03With the league's Olympic break compressing the 2025-26 schedule, short morning skates are now the norm, making those quick iPad. Reviews even more tempting, as team scramble for prep time. It's a tool that's here to stay, balancing tech smarts with old school hockey grid.