The National Hockey League’s (NHL) New York Islanders have announced a partnership with CBS owned children’s network, Nickelodeon, for a family friendly, multi-platform experience.

The move will attempt to engage a younger audience into the league with the incorporation of Nickelodeon characters into the Islanders’ digital entertainment platform.

Nickelodeon-themed trivia, polls, videos and game celebration graphics will all be included, with a range of new and old characters that have appeared on the channel to be incorporated, including SpongeBob SquarePants and the Rugrats.

The move follows CBS implementing this strategy into the National Football League (NFL) playoff coverage, where a whole game broadcast was dedicated for the children’s network.

In an interview with New York Sports Day, Islanders’ director of game presentation, Danielle Lewis, said the NHL are hoping this strategy works similarly to that of the NFL.

“We saw what [the NFL] did during the wild card game and it was great to really take some inspiration from there and collaborate with them,” Lewis said.

“What we’re looking to do during the game is really just stretch across Nickelodeon’s different properties.

“We have certain elements within the game explaining hockey and what happens when there’s a penalty?

“What is icing?

“How many players are on the ice?

“Things like that to introduce young fans to the game of hockey.

“Generations of Islanders fans grew up with Nickelodeon or their kids grew up with Nickelodeon.

“Really stretching across those different properties so that you have some people that sense of nostalgia.

“It’s going to be very cool to see the co-branded look that we’ve developed to see it come to life is great.

“We have some videos coming out soon to just get fans excited about the game,” she told New York Sports Day.