NHL

Report: Apple close to striking major partnership with NHL

The National Hockey League has informed teams that it is in late-stage negotiations with Apple over a major partnership, reports TSN. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the Canadian sports outlet says the deal could see iPads and other technology come to NHL team benches.

Apparently the League has been in talks with Apple, and competitor Microsoft, for several years, but discussions with the iPhone-maker accelerated after a similar deal with the NBA fell through. The source says this pact could still dissipate, but it's pretty far along for that to happen.

How to watch the NHL Draft on iPhone and iPad

The future players of the National Hockey League will be chosen on a pick-by-pick basis tonight at the NHL Draft, which begins tonight at 7:00 PM Eastern on NBCSN in the United States and TSN in Canada. It will be interesting to watch how the first round plays out, as there is no clear consensus on who will be picked first overall. The second to seventh round picks continue tomorrow at 10:00 AM Eastern.

The first pick, which belongs to the Florida Panthers, could be used on anyone from Kingston Frontenacs center Samuel Bennett or Barrie Colts defenseman Aaron Ekblad to Kootenay Ice center Sam Reinhart or Prince Albert Raiders center Leon Draisaitl. To help you follow the action as it unfolds, we've prepared this guide on how to watch the NHL Draft on iPhone and iPad… 

Apple turns to professional athletes for testing of iWatch fitness capabilities

With just four months remaining until Apple is expected to unveil its oft-rumored iWatch, a new report claims that the iPhone maker has teamed up with professional athletes to test the smartwatch's fitness capabilities in intense training environments. The report, citing a source with knowledge of the testing, adds that Apple has invited players from the MLB, NBA and NHL to its Cupertino headquarters on numerous occasions for this testing.

Apple is reportedly working with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Kings right winger Dustin Brown and at least a few other star athletes, one being an unidentified player for the Boston Red Sox. The athletes have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements that prohibit them from discussing the existence of the iWatch or their involvement in the testing process…Â