FUN Technologies plc (“FUN”), one of the
world’s leading online casual gaming providers, announced today that its
wholly owned subsidiary, SkillJam Technologies Corporation (“SkillJam”), has
signed an agreement to create a private-label skill-gaming platform for the
National Hockey League (“NHL”).
SkillJam will develop, operate and support a pay-for-play skill-gaming
platform, encompassing over 70 tournament-style online games, for the official
website of the NHL, “NHL.com”. The SkillJam skill-gaming platform will be
customized to the look and feel of NHL.com, and will allow NHL fans to compete
against each other for cash and prizes. It is scheduled to go live in early
2006.
Operated by NHL Interactive CyberEnterprises, LLC (“NHL ICE”), NHL.com is
the official site of the National Hockey League, delivering all the news and
information that NHL fans around the world crave. With unique features,
official NHL Video, fantasy games, and other interactive and non-interactive
features, NHL.com and the NHL.com Network attract nearly 6 million unique
visitors per month.
SkillJam is a multi-channel provider of skill-gaming technology and
solutions. It develops and distributes private-label gaming solutions for a
broad network of partner destination sites in the US and abroad, including
AOL, MSN’s Zone.com and Real Networks.
Lorne Abony, CEO of FUN Technologies, said, “We are very pleased to have
been selected by the NHL to power its online skill gaming, and believe that
its loyal fan base will thrive on the competitive nature of our games.
Furthermore, this agreement signifies broader expansion of our distribution of
white-label casual gaming platforms to major global brands”. Mark Elfenbein,
SkillJam’s Senior VP, Business Development, added, “SkillJam’s newly launched
$1 million Skill Games World Championship(TM) will definitely resonate with
users of major sports-related sites such as NHL.com”.
Keith Ritter, President of NHL ICE, commented, “Skill gaming represents a
dynamic new addition to the world’s premier online source for hockey news and
entertainment. SkillJam was our partner of choice, since they represent the
best in their field – which is what being in the NHL is all about.”
