NHL has new network

[GreenBat]

NHL moves to OLN

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) Even back when the National Hockey League was still playing games, its TV ratings weren't exactly stratospheric. But telecasts on ESPN and ESPN2 could at least draw a million viewers, maybe 2 million on a good night during the playoffs.

If an NHL game pulls in 2 million people on OLN, the league's new cable home, it will be a record for the channel. More

[CMJ]

Alot of people don't even get OLN. In fact, it's about to be removed from my cable package(along with about 10 other stations - that are moving to premium status). I'll watch if I can.

Edited August 19, 2005 by CMJ

[NTEagle08]

OLN may be in 30 million less homes than ESPN and ESPN2, but they are working on it. They have put in a bid for the Thursday/Satruday NFL package, which would lead to more cable companies adding OLN to their lineups. If Comcast can get the NFL package, I feel they are going to make a serious run at ESPN.

ESPN treated the NHL like crap the last few years, and never really gave the sport a shot on the network. The broadcast teams were horrible and the tv schedule was heavy in showing 3-4 teams. Since ESPN got the NBA that has gotten front bill over the NHL, and the move to OLN will make it THE sport on that network. Also Comcast plans on launching a NHL Channel, like the one the NFL has, which I think will help interest in the sport.