Capitals implement virtual-reality technology for player development

Advanced stats, player and puck trackers, and now, virtual-reality technology have all arrived in the NHL.

Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Capitals, announced a multi-year partnership with STRIVR Labs and its virtual-reality program Wednesday.

"STRIVR's virtual-reality technology will provide our teams and players with increased visualization techniques and training skills as well as an unmatched in-arena and VIP game-day experience," said Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman and owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

The Washington Wizards and the WNBA's Washington Mystics will also work with the technology, which uses a headset and headphones and allows players to watch 3-D video replays from on-ice or on-court perspectives.

All three clubs are the first STRIVR Labs clients in their leagues. The NFL's Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and Arizona Cardinals are also clients.

"The potential competitive advantage that virtual-reality training can give us is huge," Capitals defenseman John Carlson said. "The virtual-reality technology is going to help me fine-tune my decision making in games and allow me to train as if I'm at practice without having to be on the ice."

The technology will also be part of the Verizon Center's VIP club game-day experience.