NHL Blast is set to serve as a "central metaverse hub" for the global ice hockey community, allowing teams of five to compete in various environments.

Users can choose to wear the jersey of any NHL club, customise their goalie masks and check real-time NHL scores.

The game was built by metaverse development studio The Gang.

The NHL's first inroads into esports came in 2019, when an NHL Power Players youth advisory board was created.

NHL executive vice-president for business development and innovation David Lehanski explained the league's hopes for NHL Blast.

"As the world gathers to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs - the best post-season in sports - we're thrilled to launch NHL Blast on Roblox and continue celebrating and connecting with fans in new and innovative ways," he said.

"Roblox is a hypersocial platform and fits seamlessly with the NHL's commitment to grow the game by introducing new audiences around the globe to hockey in a unique and captivating way.

"NHL Blast's immersive virtual environment will allow hockey fans and the Roblox community to hang out and play in a new online space that features many elements of NHL fandom, including engaging activations from Upper Deck."

The Gang chief executive Marcus Holmstrom said the game development studio was very proud "to be assisting a truly visionary and innovative sports organisation such as the NHL to increase interest in hockey for younger generations."