New York - The National Hockey League (NHL) on Wednesday announced the launch of NHL Network Online, which offers a new broadband media player and exclusive studio shows, live events, news, video features, podcasts and NHL Radio. The programming and features on the new site are sponsored by companies including Bud Light, Cisco, Dodge and Verizon Wireless.

Washington - XM Satellite Radio said on Wednesday that it has expanded its NHL coverage from six to nine play-by-play channels, and will now broadcast every game played by every team this season.

New York - The National Hockey League (NHL) announced on Thursday that it has partnered with Internet TV delivery provider NeuLion, to offer non-local games streamed live over the Internet. At the start of the 2007-08 season, subscribers to NHL Center Ice Online -- which will cost $169 for the season -- will be able to watch up to 40 games per week live online. Viewers will also be able to watch multiple games at once, and will have access to additional footage like morning skates, pre-game interviews and post-game commentary.

Washington - XM Satellite Radio said on Thursday that its exclusive deal to broadcast National Hockey League (NHL) games will begin on July 1 -- Free Agency Day -- the annual start of the free agency period for NHL players. XM said it will provide round-the-clock coverage of the latest signings and negations. XM has covered the NHL for two previous seasons, but this season will mark its first as exclusive satellite radio partner; the current deal runs through 2015.

New York - Sling Media, a developer of "place-shifting" technology that lets consumers access their home TV channels while away on any Internet-connected device, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with the National Hockey League (NHL) to allow Slingbox users to clip and share live or recorded clips of NHL programming.

New York - Game developer Humongous announced that it has signed Detroit Red Wings nine-time all-star Nicklas Lidstrom to serve as cover athlete for the next installment of its "Backyard Hockey" game. The title is slated for release in the fall exclusively for Nintendo DS.

Brookline, Mass. - A group of retired National Hockey League (NHL) players has launched FASTHockey, a social networking site that lets amateur players market themselves to recruiters around the world. The privately-funded, Massachusetts-based company launched a beta of its service in late 2006 that has attracted more than 4,000 players and 300 coaches and recruiters.

San Clemente, Calif. - London-based mobile game developer Superscape on Wednesday announced the launch of "Gretzky NHL 3D," a mobile hockey title featuring NHL star Wayne Gretzky. Superscape said the title is available for download from multiple carriers.

San Jose, Calif. - Networking equipment maker Cisco Systems on Friday announced its first foray into the social networking space, with its acquisition of Five Across, a developer of technology that lets companies augment their websites to add social networking and user-generated content functionality.