The channel went on the air on October 4, 2001 and was owned by the NHL Network Inc., a venture consisting of theNational Hockey League and two of its Canadian member franchises, CTV Specialty Television Inc. (a division ofBell Media andESPN Inc.), andInsight Sports Ltd.[1] The network's ownership structure, which gave the league only an 11.6% interest, was due in part to foreign ownership restrictions for Canadian broadcasters, which prevented the NHL (which, during the channel's existence, was owned by 30 member franchises, of which at least 23 were based in theUnited States) from exercising majority ownership directly.
The network's Canadian operations were managed by Bell-ownedTSN, the now-former cable rightsholder of the NHL in Canada. FollowingRogers Communications' acquisition of sole national media rights to the NHL in Canada, the Bell Media staff members who operated the network were laid off in July 2015, and NHL Network was shut down entirely on September 1, 2015.
In November 2000, theCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) granted approval to former NHL executiveJim Gregory on behalf of a corporation to be incorporated (formed later as The NHL Network Inc.) to launchThe Hockey Channel, described as "a national English-language Category 2 specialty television dedicated exclusively to all aspects of the game of hockey".[2] The channel was launched on October 4, 2001 asNHL Network.[3] Its success led the league to createa sister network in the United States in 2007 with many of the same programs.
Even asRogers Media took over as national television rightsholder of the NHL in Canada beginning in the 2014–15 season, NHL Network remained operated from the facilities ofTSN and featured some of its talent. League sources reported that due to the preparations needed for its first season as rightsholder, Rogers was unable to immediately take over the channel, but that Rogers would reconsider its role in NHL Network the following season. TSN could have, alternatively, remained the operating partner of NHL Network beyond the 2014–15 season.[4]
On June 1, 2015,The Globe and Mail columnist David Shoalts reported that NHL Network in Canada would cease operations on September 1, 2015.Bell Media staff members who operated NHL Network on behalf of the partnership were laid off on July 1, 2015. In August 2015, the NHL announced thatMLB Advanced Media would take over the U.S. NHL Network and operate it from the broadcast facilities ofMLB Network inSecaucus, New Jersey, as well as the league's websites, and digital properties such as GameCenter Live (due to Rogers' rights deal, it will not handle distribution of the service in Canada).[5][6][7][8] The CRTC formally revoked the NHL Network's license at its request on September 17, 2015.[9]
In 2021, ESPN, the part owner of TSN, regained the rights to theNHL programming along withTurner Sports in the United States.
NHL Network featured a variety of programming related to ice hockey, primarily from the NHL, including live and tape-delayed games from present and past seasons, documentaries, news and analysis series.
NHL Live - The network's premiere "pre-game" show. It airs Monday through Friday from 5:00pm–7:00pm Eastern Time. The show is broadcast from atop of the NHL Store inNew York, NY, and is hosted byE.J. Hradek,Steve Mears, andBill Pidto. The show provides viewers with a recap of the previous night's action and a preview of what's to come later on. During the show, the hosts will interview players, broadcasters, general managers, and coaches. They also read tweets on the air from Twitter followers. Before the show wraps up, the hosts will provide predictions on who they think will win games on each night with a segment called "The Shootout".
NHL Tonight - The network's late-night show provides viewers with live look-ins on the late-evening games, highlights, analysis, and news. The program was formerly known as 'NHL On The Fly: Final' until 2011. The show airs nightly beginning at 10:00pm Eastern Time. It's also predominantly hosted byMark Roe andAndi Petrillo. It's occasionally hosted byE.J. Hradek as well. Analysis is provided by former NHL players and coaches includingKevin Weekes,Bob Errey,Dave Reid,Jamie McLennan,Craig Button,Jamal III Mayers,Barry Melrose, andKelly Chase. Inside information from around the league, such as rumours involving trades, hiring and firing of coaches is provided byBob McKenzie andDarren Dreger fromTSN.
Pioneers - A documentary series that gives viewers a closer, more in-depth look at hockey's biggest legends. The show includes interviews with the subject of their documentary and archival footage from their playing days.
Frozen In Time - A series dedicated to showing the most memorable moments from players, coaches, teams, and special events in hockey history.
Top 10 - A show that counts down the most memorable goals, saves, performances, and players.
Classic Series - A 60-minute series showing the best playoff series in NHL history.
Vintage Games - A whole NHL game from the past shown in its entirety.
NHL All Access - A behind-the-scenes look at the NHL, featuring exclusive game coverage, interviews with players, and much more.
NHL Cool Shots - A behind-the-scenes look at NHL players and their lives away from the rink.
Encore Game - An encore presentation of a game from the night before. Airs daily beginning at 12:00pm Eastern Time.
NHL Winter Classic - Complimentary coverage of the outdoor games that have been held on New Year's Day since 2008. The games have been held at the following locations since its inception:
NHL Heritage Classic - Complimentary coverage of the outdoor games that take place in Canada during selected seasons. The games have been held at the following locations since its inception:
The next edition of the Heritage Classic was to take place in 2016 atInvestors Group Field inWinnipeg, however, theWinnipeg Jets and theWinnipeg Blue Bombers couldn't reach an agreement on which date the game should be held, so it has been put on hold until the 2016-17 season.[10]
NHL All-Star Game - Complimentary coverage of the showcase featuring the league's best players taking part in an exhibition game that is held at the halfway point of the regular season, except when it's an Olympic year. The60th National Hockey League All-Star Game took place on Sunday, January 25, 2015 atNationwide Arena inColumbus, Ohio, with Team Toews defeating Team Foligno, 17-12.
NHL Entry Draft - Complimentary coverage of the annual draft that takes place on the last weekend of June. The first round of the draft begins shortly after 7:00pm Eastern Time on Friday nights. Rounds 2 through 7 of the draft takes place on the Saturday beginning at 10:00am.
