Hockey fans will soon be able to follow their favorite teams on YouTube, the Web-based video-sharing company.

YouTube and the National Hockey League announced a partnership Wednesday that will bring NHL content as well as advertising to the computer screen.

The NHL will provide daily short-form video to YouTube for the 2006-2007 season, beginning this month. The agreement will allow users to watch NHL video highlights within 24 hours of their original broadcast. The NHL will also provide other on and off ice footage.

“The partnership will enable the NHL to expose YouTube’s vast audience to all of the excitement and drama of the new NHL,” said Doug Perlman, NHL executive vice president. “What a great way to showcase the talent of our athletes.”

“By delivering a wide array of daily programming to YouTube, the NHL will be able to connect with its existing fan base and reach a vast new audience that is passionate about hockey,” said Kevin Donahue, vice president of content for YouTube.