Today, I am going to talk to you about apps.
Big game changer in the mobile industry and any smart phone owner will tell you they make your life so much easier be it catching up with the latest trends on twitter, grabbing a quick game of Fruit Ninja or live score updates from that hockey game your not watching (… and why aren’t you watching it?)
The major sports leagues, companies and broadcasters have all jumped on-board and are producing apps – ESPN, NHL GameCenter, TSN etc. and with such support from those vendors, its only reasonable to expect applications from your NHL Team?
Well, right now, fans of many teams – you are going to have to wait, as sadly right now just 12 of the 30 teams have official apps and amazingly, it is a surprise as to how much each app varies; despite the fact that there are only a few different developers for these apps. So, put your feet up and stay with us for a little while as you are about to find out what team has the best mobile app (and who doesn’t at all). Before I begin, I would like to add that all these applications are Free; and I am testing them on an iPhone 4S. There are more screenshots at the end of the article for your enjoyment.

Anaheim Ducks -
Application Developer: B3Connect
This application loads with a sepia toned picture from a Ducks game, and then immediately takes you into the Ducks news, which arguably is a great place to start. The menu for the app is at the bottom of the screen and taping itbrings up a myriad of options, including a Live Scoreboard, Media, Tickets and Promotions. Additionally, you can view details about the arena such as Parking info and Upcoming Non Ducks Live Events. In addition to these more ordinary features are a few more unique ones. Fans who click on the Fan Zone option in the menu can listen to the Ducks Goal Song, Browse whats on Players iPods and also see what music they may have heard recently at the Pond. All music links back to the iTunes store to make for easy purchasing should you not already own it. As well, fans can browse through an array of iPhone sized wallpaper. Being the only team to feature this function on their app, they certainly deserve a point just for that feature in my opinion.
The app loads quickly and the interface is really pleasant to use with nicely sized buttons and easy navigation. In addition to standard information, this application has the ability to push scores, game information, team news, promotions and sale information to your phone without even loading it up.
Sadly, all is not good and this application utilizes full screen adverts. These are timed to dismiss themselves after 10 seconds, however it breaks up an otherwise really fluid experience and really brings the application down. Its worth mentioning that they are the only team to utilize full screen adverts; so shame on you Anaheim for ruining an otherwise perfect app.
Final Score  – 4/5 – as it has some great functionality and nice fan features but is let down by fullscreen adverts – boo!
Screenshots -

Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres
No Applications

Calgary Flames -
Application Developer: In House, using Atimi Orchard source code.
A bright “`we are the C of red” splash screen greets you on loading before you are taken straight into the news section of the app. Here you can view the news or social news of the team or select an option from the buttons below. The default buttons are News, Schedule, Videos, Photos and More; however these can be edited in the More section.
In general the application functions well, and there is more than enough to keep an avid Flames fan happy and the application even features access to the forums should you wish to tell everyone just what you think of The Oilers.
There are no adverts at all in this app which is great, however there are no notification options, so users will have to load the app to check out the latest news, or use another application for scores. Besides this, there is no real gimmick or novelty items like Wallpapers or Goal Horns, and it feels lacking having seen what other teams feature.
Final Score – 2.5/5 – As whilst the app is easy to use and functional, its a little boring compared to the others.
Screenshots -

Carolina Hurricanes -
No Application

Chicago Blackhawks -
Application Developer: In House, using Atimi Orchard source code.
Another application developed using the same source code, so you would expect it to run much like the Flames one – however you are mistaken.
Like the other apps, you are presented with a bright load screen, featuring a Chicago Jersey. You are then taken to the Featured page. On this, is the last score, a news ticker and a spot for you to select your favourite player and then you will be able to see videos and news on this player right on the home page.
Similarly to the Flames app, the buttons are at the bottom, and feature News, Video, Schedule and More; with them being fully adjustable once again. In addition to these standard functions there is a Live section which will allow you to view Press conferences etc when they are happening right on your phone and also a rather nifty little feature entitled Fan Noise. This feature uses the microphone to measure the noise level and give you a reading – Pointless, but a nice little novelty I guess to measure noise levels at ‘hawks games. Additionally, the app features a fan gallery allowing you to upload and share your Blackhawks pictures or to view the media ones an share them with friends by email, Twitter or Facebook.
As with the Calgary App, there are no adverts at all and again no notifcations; which is a shame as they really would elevate this app above the others.
Final Rating: 3.5/5 - A real step up from a basic application, but lacks anything extra such as wallpapers or music.
Screenshots -

Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets -
No Applications

Dallas Stars -
Application Developer: B3Connect
The same developer as the Anaheim Ducks app was used here, so you would expect a similar experience; but no once again it is different. Being released literally the same day as I am writing this, this application is by far the newest so should be expected to set the benchmark for applications.
You are greeted by a bright photo of the team celebrating then taken directly to the Promotions section. Obviously this is useful to anyone who wants to know what deal they can get at the AA center when they visit; but for people who want the news or score information, its a small hassle.
Navigation works the same as the Ducks app, with Media, Fantasy Hockey and Tickets all being key items on the menu besides the usual additions. However, there is no Fan Zone like on the Anaheim version, so no wallpapers, goal music or players iPod lists. However, there is a really detailed section with a good collection of photos from the Ice Girls along with their profiles which is a nice addition.
Unlike the Anaheim one, there are No Adverts in the app which makes for a great browsing experience, and there are push notifications too which means Team News without having to load the app.
Final Rating – 4/5 - No adverts show off the apps full potential, however it feels a little lacking on the fan features side; and defaulting to the promotions versus the news knocks the apps rating down just a little bit more.
Screenshots -

Detroit Red Wings -
Application Developer: Mobile Box Office
The only application in this review that is produced by Mobile Box Office, however that is not necessarily a bad thing.
The boot screen flashes past very fast leaving you no real time to spot it. I’m using a 4S, so perhaps older phone users will get more time to look at it. The application immediately greets you with the news, but with no option to see social media news. News articles load up quickly and do not feature zoom mode, so if you have bad eyesight; you may struggle to read the very small text. Additionally, some photos for the news article are of bad quality and look like they may have been taken using a 2004 Camera phone; whilst others look great – its a real mismatch. Schedule, Stats , Standings and more are the buttons located at the bottom of this app, and are not customizable. nder the more category you have a twitter Feed, YouTube Feed (there is no built in video feed), Facebook Page, Player Playlists and a link marked Blog. Sadly, the Blog button asks to open Safari and take you to the regular browser defeating the applications purpose so really shouldn’t be there. The Player Playlists are the apps saving grace in my opinion as they present you with a pretty lengthy list of what music players like to listen to before the game. From here you can go straight into iTunes like with the Ducks app and purchase the song. Oddly, you can also see what Mike Babcock likes to listen too in the “player playlist” section; which is odd as he is their coach.
Yes, this application has adverts, however it is only a small banner that is stuck at the top of every page. This doesn’t get in the way, however it feels redundant as it doesn’t work; and for me it just displays an AT&T placeholder image. No notifcations, but did you expect these; however the app remains easy to navigate throughout.
Final Rating: 2/5 - It feels basic and in comparison to all the applications reviewed here; is by far the weakest and often seems to rely on jumping to the browser, YouTube or iTunes store to complete actions. Also, not being able to zoom in on text on news articles and the like is a real letdown.
Screenshots -

Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild -
No Applications

Montreal Canadiens -

Application Developer: In House, using Atimi Orchard source code.
Another one with the same code and again different features albeit more similar to the Hawks version than the others.
This app loads with a smart Canadians wallpaper, and taes you to the more than familiar featured page. Usual features include the news, vidoes and schedule functions and these again are customizable. In addtion, you have the forums, a statistics featureanother fan noise calculator and slightly differently, a 3 stars feature. Here you can vote on the app for who you feel are the three stars from the most recent game; however this is just an extension of a regular web page. Like the Blackhawks app, you can upload fan photos which is nice. However, the video section is notably different on this app though, as it features a whole section dedicated to Bell Wireless customers only. On touching any video here it asks for a password; which not being a Bell subscriber I don’t have. I feel this knocks the app back a little as any habs fans not on Bell loose out here on content. The option to pay for access would have been a nice option seeing as they have chosen this route.
No adverts make the application more fun to use, however once again there are no push notifications for this app.
Final Rating – 3/5 - The application looks nice, and is easy to use with some cool features. However, locking in video to certain users only is a big let down. For shame.
Screenshots -

Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders -
No Application

New York Rangers -
Application Developer: Madison Square Gardens, using Atimi Orchard source code.
Once again, we meet the Atimi Orchard source code design, but once again the application is different from the Hawks or Flames.
The application boots with the usual splash screen entitled “Blueshirts United” claiming to be the official fan support of the NYR. After this you are taken to a similar home screen as on the Chicago app, where you can again add your favorite player to the home. Buttons at the bottom are the same as well, however underneath the more tab are considerably less options than either the Hawks or Flames app. There is a photos page, however it misses out on the option to upload fan pictures, and again the usual option to buy tickets and view standings. Besides this there is very little to say about this app.
No adverts again, and no Notifications either; however as this application features the rather excellent looking featured page it is a step up from the Calgary Flames application.
Final Rating: 3/5 – A step up from the design of the Flames app, but it lacks functionality again compared to apps such as the Ducks one, Hawks one and others below.
Screenshots -

Ottawa Senators -
Application Developer: In House, using Atimi Orchard source code.
Again, the same code used so a similar looking app with different features.
This application uses a heritage splash screen advertising their 20th year celebration. This is then followed by the featured page which is the same as the Hawks and Rangers. The icons for buttons is different and have been customised to feature the Senators logo – a nice touch and is made up of the usual culprits. Again, this is another app that features exclusive videos for Bell customers (which sucks). Again the option to pay for access would have been a nice option seeing as they have chosen this route. Under the more option are options to see the arena, player information, buy tickets and like in the Hawks app the ability to measure fan noise. Additionally you have access to the fan forum like on the Flames app.
Once again, there are no adverts or notifications; but it remains a nice enough application to use.
Final Rating – 3/5 - Could have been a little higher but again, locked in content with no alternate viewing method makes this app less fun to use than the Blackhawks one for example or the others below.
Screenshots -

Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes -
No Application

Pittsburgh Penguins -

Application Developer: YinzCam Inc
The first of two apps developed by YinzCam, and the only two with a completely different approach to the other applications.
After the splash screen featuring Crosby disappears you are taken to a home screen / hub wuth a plethora of options to pick and choose. Right at the top is a button marked radio. pressing this will indeed immediatly fire up the Penguins Radio Network; and this will continue to run until you turn it off or kill the application in the task manager, making it great for running in the background. below, iis the last score or next match-up accompanied by statistics for both teams. Below is a scrollable list of headlines not unlike what we have seen elsewhere; along with buttons for a full preview of the next game, or a recap on the last game. Animations here are slick with a smooth motion animation when you touch something; all adding to the overall experience.
At the bottom is a similar menu to what was seen in the Ducks and Stars application, however its options are quite different. Here, you have access to News and Video feeds, as well as audio; another control for Penguins Radio, a Gametracker (like what is in the Ducks and Stars app), Fantasy Hockey, Schedule, Social Media, Tickets, Hockey IQ and a More option.
Hockey IQ is not seen in any other application that I tested, and besides giving you random facts or tips about hockey or your hockey game features videos showing you different strategies for them as used by the Penguins.
Under the more option are the usual settings as well as two more unusual features, a QR code reader and a Jumbotron.
The QR reader allows for you to scan square shaped barcodes (the weird looking ones that are appearing around the place now) which presumably can open Penguins related links or offers.
The jumbotron allows you to upload a photo off of your phone and super impose it onto the Consol Energy Center Jumbotron. However this feature of the app crashes it every time I attempt to load it, and needs to be fixed as soon as is possible.
This application does feature small banner adverts which are all Penguins related and appear at the bottom of the app. These are easily dismissed though it gets a little tiresome to have to keep doing this. They sure beat the full screen adverts seen in the Ducks app however. Sadly the developers were too busy adding all the cool features to remember that push notifications are great to, and as such there are no notifications to tell you scores or news without loading the app.
Final Rating – 4/5 - This application is well designed, a joy to use and has some great features, like Radio and Hockey IQ. What it lacks however are fan zone features like Wallpapers, What Songs are being played at the arena, and push notifications. Assuming the jumbotron feature gets fixed and small touches like wallpapers and notifications get added soon this application has the potential to remain as an example of what all teams should have to represent them on a mobile device for the considerable future.
Screenshots -

San Jose Sharks, St Louis Blues -

No Application

Tampa Bay Lightning -
Application Developer: YinzCam Inc
After the excellent experience of the Penguins application, I was glad to see the same developer made the Tampa app. Like the other apps, you get an exciting load screen and then greeted with a similar looking hub to the Penguins app. Missing however is the radio button and the menu is much smaller. The home hub features the same slick graphics and animation as in the Penguins version, with the same features being offered (previous game, upcoming game). The menu features a media option with news, photos, video and audio; a schedule and a fan zone option once again. This fan zone also features the barcode scanner as seen in the Penguins application, and also the Jumbotron option (albeit renamed Video Board). This time, the video board works and I was able to upload a photo from my phone to the jumbotron – the result is shown below.
No adverts are featured in this app, cementing this feature really as a team decision – and again no notifications.
Final Score – 4/5 - It is a nice application to use, but when you compare it to the Penguins version from the same developer it just feels lacking.
Screenshots -

Toronto Maple Leafs -
Application Developer: PolarMobile
A minimalistic loading screen leads straight to a home screen, featuring the last games score, and previous scores from recent games. The page scrolls down to show a feed from the blog, and even the Marlies; the Leafs AHL affiliate. Other features include Stats, Standings, Schedule and a media option. The media option shows both photos and videos, however the video option just taps in to the Leafs YouTube Channel. I wish I could say the app has more, however it doesn’t. It purely serves as an information hub to the team and leaves you to look elsewhere for any frills found in other teams apps.
There are no adverts which is good, but no notifications.

Final Score: 2.5/5 - Its boring. Sure, its easy to navigate and loads quickly but would it kill then to add some stats or better integrate social media functions like Twitter?
Screenshots -

Vancouver Canucks -
Application Developer: In House, using Atimi Orchard source code.
Another in house app using the same code, and it follows the similar formula, arguably quite well.
The splash screen gives way to the features section, which again has edited icons to include the logo. There are your usual choose a player to follow features on the home page, and a news, video and schedule section. ONCE AGAIN though, there are exclusive videos for subscribers to Rogers Wireless (makes a change from Bell I suppose), and without any payment options, non subscribers are left in the dark. Under the more option, you can view the arena, forums buy tickets, catch up on the latest promotions, vote for your three stars and measure fan noise (this version seems to be the most sensitive to noise interestingly). Additionally, there is a live option, which is promising Live Games coming soon and access to press conferences when they happen. If this app can follow through and offer live games it may be a step ahead of the competition, but no match for Game Center Live. Besides this, the application matches the Chicago application functionality wise and whilst isn’t a bad app, leaves a bitter taste in your mouth for once again locking away content.
There are no adverts here (yay), but no Notifications again (boo).
Final Rating – 3/5 - I would have matched this to the Chicago one, but again locked out videos. That and there’s no notifications.
Screenshots -

Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets -
No Application

So overall, surprisingly for me – the Penguins have the best application. However, if the Anaheim Ducks application removed

those damned adverts and offered an audio feed it would clearly give the Pittsburgh app a run for its money, as it does offer fans that little bit more; however the interface is slightly less fun as the Penguins app and it doesn’t have features like Hockey IQ – Easily added I will put.
The Stars application is a pretty good contender but as it does offer less features than the Ducks version has to sit behind that; although its saving grace is the lack of nasty full screen adverts.
The middle ground is filled with almost what feels like a pretty generic application template developed by Atimi Orchard, which is not necessarily a bad thing but it could be enhanced with some notifications and wallpapers or audio feed. Sadly some teams have decided to lock content away from fans in these apps which is a shame as well. Chances are when more teams get applications, they will use this template as it is by the looks of it already popular template which is a shame because the one used by The Ducks, Stars, Penguins and Lightning is much better by far.
Toronto has a pretty boring application compared to those above however this pales in comparison to the Detroit Redwings application which is left feeling like it needs a little love and attention.

Who knows what is next for these applications, and what teams will be getting an app next; but we will try to keep you informed when we do see big changes. Its exciting to see how teams will compete with each other next in these difficult times.

I’m KevKev, and I hope you enjoyed reading.

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Gallery Of All Screenshots: