Bring your ideas.Shape the future of hockey.
The NHL, NHLPA and SAP present a case competition for college and university students across Canada and the U.S. to build a vision of the future of hockey. Apply your passion to the game of hockey, pitch to the people who run the game, and compete for up to $10,000 in scholarships.
Three regions.One big stage.
CanadaToronto, ON
TBC
Pitch steps from the Stanley Cup, surrounded by hockey’s legends.
Open to students at colleges and universities across Canada.
Explore Canada
NY Tri-StateNew York · New Jersey · Connecticut
TBC
Compete in the league’s home market, in front of NHL and NHLPA leadership.
Open to students in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Explore NY Tri-State
California Bay AreaSan Jose, CA
SAP Center
Final Pitch Day on the arena floor at the home of the San Jose Sharks.
Open to students across Northern California.
Explore California Bay Area
Ideas. Opportunity. Real Impact. Career Building. Mentorship. Networking.
Your idea couldChange the game.
Step out of the classroom and put your knowledge and passion to the test. Design a unique opportunity that would evolve the game and earn your chance to present it live on stage to industry executives.
Up to
$10,000
in scholarships for winning teams
Pitch day
Exclusive NHL prizes
Winning teams earn NHL experiences, recognition and gear you can’t buy.
Network with leaders
Meet executives from the NHL, NHLPA, SAP and partner clubs face to face.
Mentorship from pros
Get coached by the people who run the business of hockey and the tech behind it.
Real-world impact
The best ideas don’t stay on slides. They reach the people who can make them happen.
The road toPitch day.
Key dates for the 2026–27 season. Final dates confirmed at registration.
Register
Build your team, pick your region and sign up through the competition portal.
Develop
Take on a real challenge from the NHL and NHLPA, with guidance from SAP mentors.
Pitch
Top teams present live to judges from the NHL, NHLPA and SAP.
Win
Finalists take the stage at Final Pitch Day for scholarships and prizes.
Resources
Tools students have used in past seasons to research, prototype and measure their ideas.
Real Impact.Real moments.
From the Hockey Hall of Fame to the SAP Center floor, this is what competing actually looks like.
Got questions?We’ve got answers.
What students ask before signing up. Full rules live on the registration page.
A case competition for college and university students across Canada and the U.S. Teams tackle a real business or fan-experience challenge from the NHL and NHLPA, then pitch their solutions to league, player and SAP leaders for scholarships and prizes.
Students currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in a host region: Canada, the NY Tri-State area, or the California Bay Area. Every major is welcome, from business and engineering to design and media.
No. Fresh perspective is the point. Judges look for clear thinking, creativity and a solution that could actually work. You’ll get the context you need from mentors along the way.
Submissions are scored on insight, originality, feasibility and presentation. Top teams advance to a live regional pitch, and finalists compete at Final Pitch Day in front of a panel of NHL, NHLPA and SAP judges.
Up to $10,000 in scholarships, exclusive NHL prizes and recognition, plus networking and mentorship with NHL and SAP professionals that lasts well beyond the event.
Ready to makean impact?
Grab your team, pick your region and bring the idea hockey hasn’t heard yet.