FoxTrax

FoxTrax, sometimes referred to as Glow Puck, was a digital on-screen graphic and electromagnetic transmitting hockey puck that was used in National Hockey League games aired on Fox in the United States from 1996 to 1998. The puck and its computer system was implemented to help viewers visually follow the puck during games, but was discontinued after two years due to poor reception.

History

In 1994, Fox won a contract to broadcast NHL games in the United States. David Hill, the head of Fox Sports at the time, believed that if viewers could easily follow the puck, the game would seem less confusing to newcomers, and hence become more appealing to a broader audience. Hill pitched the idea to Rupert Murdoch, who approved the development of FoxTrax under electrical engineer Stan Honey. The FoxTrax puck was first used during the 1996 NHL All-Star Game. It was last used during the first game of the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals. Fox was scheduled to televise Games 5 and 7, but the series ended in four games. In August 1998, the NHL broadcast rights went to ABC, and FoxTrax was not brought back for the final season.