Amongst all the history in the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame, there is a new touch of modernity. 

Now operating behind the displays is the brand new Hockey Simulator, a digital projector platform that allows users to shoot with a physical stick at digital opponents. 

Mellissa Shaw, the Museum Director for the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame, encourages folks to come out and take a shot at the new feature. 

"We are very excited to announce the Hockey Simulator is now open," said Shaw. "It just opened here to the public. We had our first trials mid-December where we let the City Kids Christmas Party come out and try it and we're just now opening it up to the public." 

This simulator tracks people standing in the play area as they shoot a ball at a projected image. It then translates the angle and speed of the shot into the simulation, showing where a shot on net would be, how the goalie would stop it, or if the puck would make it through traffic in front of the goal.

With the Hall of Fame being open during the week, people can stop by to try out the simulator for just $10 an hour. Any groups looking to rent the simulator can set that up with the museum.

Flipped vied of the simulator.Folks can bring their own sticks to use, but they must be either tape free or wrapped in a sock in order to avoid scuffing the surface of the play area. (photo by Hayden Michaels)

Currently, the simulator offers three game modes to choose from. There is a shoot-out mode, where two or more players can take turns firing from the blue line through traffic. There's a player vs goalie mode, where users try to get past a digital netminder. And finally, there is a target practice mode where the shooter tries to hit different targets on the projection. 

"The goalie mode is super awesome," said Shaw. "It allows kids and adults to practice their shot and to see if they can reach that top shelf without ever having to strap on a pair of skates."

Some of the rules include but are not limited to: no shoes on the play area surface, no more than one person in the play area at any time, all children must be supervised by an adult at all times when in the simulation area, and there is no food or drinks allowed in the simulator. 

If you would like to learn more about the simulator, you can give the Hall of Fame a call at 306-773-3031. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.