Live Hockey Games Online For Free
Are you a hockey fan unable to catch your team's games due to work, travel, or lack of access to cable TV? Fear not, because there are plenty of ways to watch live hockey games online for free. In this article, we'll show you how to stream NHL games and other professional and college hockey leagues, as well as provide tips on how to ensure a smooth viewing experience.
How to Stream NHL Games Online For Free
The most popular league for hockey fans is the NHL (National Hockey League), and fortunately there are several ways to stream NHL games online for free:
NHL Gamecenter Live Free Trial
The NHL offers a free trial for its official streaming service, NHL Gamecenter Live. This allows you to watch live out-of-market games for free for a limited time. Keep in mind that the subscription will automatically renew unless canceled, so be sure to cancel before the trial ends if you don't want to be charged.
Sling TV Free Trial
Sling TV is another option for streaming NHL games, as it offers live streams of NBCSN, which broadcasts some playoff games. Sling TV offers a free trial for new users, so you can test it out before committing to a subscription.
Kodi and Other Streaming Apps
Kodi is a free and open-source media player that you can install on various devices, including computers, smartphones, and streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick. There are several add-ons for Kodi that allow you to stream live NHL games, including Pro Sports and SportsDevil. Keep in mind that some of these add-ons may not be legal, so use at your own risk.
Other Professional Hockey Leagues
The NHL isn't the only professional hockey league in North America. There are other options for watching live hockey games online for free:
AHL Live Free Game of the Week
The AHL (American Hockey League) is the primary developmental league for the NHL, and it offers a free game of the week on its official streaming service, AHL Live. This allows you to watch up-and-coming players and potential future NHL stars for free.
KHL Official YouTube Channel
The KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) is a professional hockey league based in Russia, and it offers live streams of its games on its official YouTube channel. While the quality may not be as high as other streaming options, it's a free and legal way to watch professional hockey.
College Hockey Leagues
If you're a fan of college hockey, there are several options for watching live games online for free:
NCAA March Madness Live
While traditionally associated with basketball, the NCAA March Madness Live app also streams live games for other college sports, including hockey. The app provides a free trial before requiring a subscription, so you can watch games for free during the trial period.
Conference-Specific Streaming Services
Several college hockey conferences offer their own streaming services, allowing you to watch live games from specific conferences. Examples include Hockey East, Big Ten Network, and WCHA TV.
Tips for a Smooth Viewing Experience
While streaming live hockey games online for free can be convenient, it's important to ensure a smooth viewing experience. Here are some tips:
Use a Fast, Stable Internet Connection
Streaming live video requires a fast and stable internet connection. If your connection is slow or unstable, the video may buffer or freeze, ruining the viewing experience.
Use a Reliable Streaming Service
Some streaming services may be more reliable than others, so do some research before committing to a subscription or using a free trial. Look for user reviews and ratings to gauge the service's reliability.
Use an Ad Blocker
Some free streaming services may have pop-up ads or other interruptions that can disrupt the viewing experience. Using an ad blocker can help prevent these interruptions.
Watch on a Large Screen
While watching live hockey games on a small smartphone or tablet screen may be convenient, it can be more enjoyable to watch on a larger screen, such as a computer monitor or TV. Consider using a streaming device like the Amazon Fire Stick to watch on your TV.
Conclusion
Watching live hockey games online for free is easier than ever, with several options for streaming NHL games, other professional leagues, and college leagues. However, it's important to ensure a smooth viewing experience by using a fast and stable internet connection, a reliable streaming service, an ad blocker, and a large screen. With these tips in mind, you can cheer on your favorite teams from anywhere in the world.
