NHL Sense Arena ‘26: The Future of Virtual Hockey Is Here
The next evolution of hockey in virtual reality has arrived.
NHL Sense Arena ‘26 puts players directly into the action, letting them skate alongside real NHL stars, manage their own roster, and experience the full 2025–26 NHL season in immersive 3v3 full-ice gameplay. For the first time ever, fans can feel the rhythm, intensity, and grind of an NHL season all from inside the headset.
Building on a landmark partnership with the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), NHL Sense Arena ‘26 becomes the only virtual and mixed reality hockey experience officially licensed by both the NHL and NHLPA. Every lineup, jersey, and player likeness mirrors the real season, allowing users to skate beside the league’s biggest stars in true-to-life environments. “This collaboration allows us to share the talent and personalities of the NHL’s best with aspiring pros, hockey fans, and gamers in a whole new way,” said Andrew Alberts, NHL Alumni and Hockey Development Director at Sense Arena. “The future of hockey training and fan engagement is evolving, and we’re excited to push those boundaries.”
At the heart of this year’s release is the updated 3v3 Full-Ice Mode, delivering an intense and fast-paced gameplay experience.
Players can compete through all 82 games of the 2025–26 NHL season using authentic team lineups, applying skating, shooting, and checking mechanics. With the ability to switch into the goalie at any moment, users can face shots from NHL superstars, read plays as they unfold, and make highlight-reel saves that test their reflexes and positioning. Every shift is a chance to showcase your hockey IQ and reaction speed in a setting that feels as real as stepping onto the ice.
Beyond gameplay, NHL Sense Arena ‘26 lets players take on the role of general manager. Users can build, manage, and lead a 12-player roster (two goalies, three defensemen, and six forwards), strategizing their lineups for every matchup across the full NHL schedule. Player ratings influence performance, meaning smarter management decisions lead to stronger results in the standings. Fantasy hockey comes to life, where every win or loss is earned through skill and strategy.
Performance also earns rewards.
With each game played, users collect new player profiles, expanding their roster with real NHL talent ranging from rookies to veterans. Higher-rated players are harder to earn, but make a significant difference on the ice. Profiles can be earned through gameplay or purchased as “free agent” stars, while the new Trophy Room Album allows players to display their collection and track their progress. Every profile unlocks new possibilities, adding a layer of depth and collectibility that connects fans more closely to their favorite NHL players.
For goaltenders, this new update offers an entirely new challenge.
Players can jump into the crease during any 3v3 game to face authentic NHL shooting patterns, tracking the puck through traffic and reacting to lightning-fast plays. Whether you’re playing a full game in net or running focused save sequences, it’s the closest experience yet to standing between the pipes in a live NHL game.
More than a game, NHL Sense Arena ‘26 is a bridge between training and competition.
The platform takes the cognitive skills developed through Sense Arena’s proven hockey training, like scanning, anticipation, and reaction speed, and brings them into game-speed situations. Every read, every pass, every decision now carries real consequences on the virtual ice, making this not only a breakthrough in fan engagement but a true evolution in player development.
NHL Sense Arena ‘26 isn’t just an update, it’s a full-season hockey experience built on authenticity, innovation, and passion for the game. From collecting your favorite players to battling through the schedule alongside real NHL pros, every moment is designed to immerse you deeper into the world of hockey than ever before.
Looking to join the thousands of hockey players and goalies training with NHL Sense Arena? Get started here.
