| Hockey Central | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Hockey Central Saturday |
| Genre | Hockey news |
| Presented by | National Tuesday, Thursday-Friday:Caroline Cameron Wednesday:David Amber Saturday:Ron MacLean Leafs Pre-game: David Amber Caroline Cameron |
| Theme music composer | Tuesday-Friday: Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker Saturday: Shawnee Kish and Jane’s Party |
| Opening theme | Tuesday-Friday: "Never Stop" Saturday: "Saturday Night" |
| Country of origin | Canada |
| Production | |
| Production locations | Rogers Building,Toronto |
| Running time | 22–26 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | Sportsnet CBC (Saturday) Citytv (Saturday) |
| Related | |
| NHL on Sportsnet,Hockey Night in Canada | |
Hockey Central is the brand used for programs and segments coveringhockey (particularly theNational Hockey League) on the Canadiansports channelSportsnet. TheHockey Central name encompasses several programs, including segments aired duringSportsnet Central, pre-game reports forHockey Night in Canada and otherNHL telecasts on Sportsnet,CBC,Citytv, and theSportsnet 590 radio showHockey Central at Noon.
The typical format ofHockey Central's segments duringSportsnet Central and the Saturday show is a four-person panel of former NHL players, coaches, and GMs alongside hockey reporters and broadcasters. The members of the panel vary from day to day, but are usually from the same small pool of regulars. The show is known for (and often promotes) its sometimes fiery debates betweenBill Watters andNick Kypreos.
In the summer of 2006, hostDarren Dreger left Sportsnet to joinTSN and in 2018, Daren Millard left the network, and in 2021,Jeff Marek moved to an NHL insider role, until he departed the network in 2024.Caroline Cameron andDavid Amber are the current hosts of most of theHockey Central segments appearing on Sportsnet.
As of Rogers' 2014-15 rights deal,Hockey Central Saturday replacedScotiabank Hockey Tonight as the pre-game show forHockey Night in Canada, airing in simulcast with Sportsnet andCBC Television.[1][2]
During the2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs,The Score (after its purchase by Rogers) aired a nightlyHockey Central Playoff Xtra.[3][4]
Sportsnet's radio stations also air hockey-oriented programs under the same or similar titles, often with a focus on news and analysis relating to their local teams.
Rogers' Toronto radio stationCJCL broadcasts a radio version of the show, initially known asHockey Central at Noon, which is simulcast bySportsnet 360. It is currently hosted byJeff Marek and featuresAnthony Stewart as an analyst.David Amber fills in for Marek on Wednesdays.
The program was originally hosted by Daren Millard. Between August 2010 and March 2011, it was hosted byGreg Brady, who worked the noon to 3pm shift. In March 2011, Brady was reassigned to the morning show and Millard returned as host. Jeff Marek replaced Daren Millard as host in 2018.[5] When Brady was unable to hostHockey Central at Noon, Doug Farraway served as fill-in host. During the summer (from mid-June until September) during Millard's first hosting stint, Farraway took over the hosting duties from him, withHoward Berger serving as fill-in for Farraway.
In October 2019 as part of changes to CJCL's lineup, the program expanded to two hours.[6]
The program has a national focus; CJCL airs aToronto Maple Leafs-focused program immediately beforeHockey Central, theLeafs Hour, with Ben Ennis and JD Bunkis.
CFAC in Calgary broadcastsHockey Central 960, which is hosted by Kelly Kirch and Peter Klein. The program primarily focuses on coverage of theCalgary Flames.
CISL in Vancouver broadcastsCanucks Central at Noon, which is hosted by Scott Rintoul and Bik Nizzar, and focuses on theVancouver Canucks.