NHL on CTV
Encyclopedia
NHL on CTV is the name of a former television program
that broadcast National Hockey League
games on the CTV Television Network
.
aired regular season games on Friday nights (and some Sunday afternoons) as well as partial coverage of the playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals
.
CTV/Carling O'Keefe initially signed a contract well into the 1984-85 season. As a result, they wanted to cram as many games as possible (beginning in February) in the brief window they had. 1985-86's coverage didn't begin until November, so to avoid conflicts with CTV's coverage of the Major League Baseball
postseason.
While Molson
continued to present Hockey Night in Canada
on Saturday nights on CBC
, rival brewery Carling O'Keefe
began airing Friday Night Hockey on CTV. This marked the first time in more than a decade that CBC was not the lone over-the-air
network broadcaster of the National Hockey League in Canada.
The deal with CTV was arranged by the Quebec Nordiques
(who were owned by Carling O'Keefe) and the 14 U.S.-based NHL clubs, who sought to break Molson's monopoly on NHL broadcasting in Canada. All of CTV's regular season telecasts originated from Quebec City
or the United States
, as Molson shut them out of the other six Canadian buildings (as Carling did to them in Quebec City).
Following the 1985-86 season, CTV decided to pull the plug on the venture. Their limited access to Canadian-based teams (other than Quebec, whose English-speaking fan base was quite small) translated into poor ratings. For the next two years, Carling O'Keefe retained their rights, and syndicated playoff telecasts on a chain of channels that would one day become the Global Television Network
under the names Stanley Cup '87 and Stanley Cup '88, before a merger between the two breweries put an end to the competition.
was to be provided by CTV
. However, CTV had a prior commitment to carry a U.S. mini-series. As a result, TSN
took over coverage of the game in Hartford
.
and Ron Reusch
called the Philadelphia
-Quebec
Wales Conference Final series. They also televised Games 3, 4 and 6 of the Montreal
-Quebec Adams Division Final and Games 2 and 5 of the Philadelphia-New York Islanders
Patrick Division Final.
In , Kelly and Reusch called the Calgary
-St.Louis
Campbell Conference Final series. CTV's coverage was blacked out in Calgary, where CBC provided coverage. For the Calgary Flames
-Winnipeg Jets
first-round series in , CBC, who initially had the rights to the series, ultimately passed as they were already maxed out with three other series (Montreal
-Boston
, Chicago
-Toronto
, and Edmonton
-Vancouver
). The rights to the Calgary-Winnipeg series were eventually sold to the CTV affiliates in Calgary (CFCN
) and Winnipeg (CKY
) as well as Carling O'Keefe. On the call were Ed Whalen
of the Flames and Curt Keilback of the Jets.
CBC and Molson Brewery used a loophole in that games involving Canadian based teams (excluding the Quebec Nordiques
) in the playoffs could be televised locally by CBC.
moved all playoff coverage from CBC
to CTV
to avoid conflict with the lengthy NABET
strike
against the CBC. Eventually, MacLaren Advertising, in conjunction with Molson Breweries and Imperial Oil
/Esso
), who actually owned the rights to Hockey Night in Canada (not CBC) decided to give the playoff telecast rights to CTV. Initially, it was on a game by game basis in the quarterfinals (Game 1 of the Boston-Toronto series was seen on CFTO
Toronto in full while other CTV affiliates, but not all joined the game in progress. Game 1 of the New York Rangers-Montreal series was seen only on CFCF
Montreal while Game 4 not televised due to a lockout
of technicians at the Montreal Forum
), and then the full semifinals and Stanley Cup Finals. Because CTV did not have 100% penetration in Canada at this time, they asked CBC (who ultimately refused) to allow whatever one of their affiliates were the sole network in that market to show the playoffs. As a result, the 1972 Stanley Cup playoffs were not seen in some of the smaller Canadian markets unless said markets were close enough to the United States border to pick up the signal of a CBS
affiliate.
In 1974, some CTV affiliates (like CFTO
in Toronto and CFCF
in Montreal) picked up the American feed from NBC (with Tim Ryan
and Ted Lindsay
on the call) of Game 4 of the Montreal
-New York Rangers
playoff series. CKY
in Winnipeg
and ATV
in Moncton, New Brunswick
(CKCW
) perhaps most notably, did not air that particular game.
In , CBC
televised Games 1 and 2 nationally while Games 3, 4 and 5 were televised in Edmonton
only. CTV
televised Games 3, 4 and 5 nationally while games were blacked out
in Edmonton
.
In , CBC only televised Games 1 and 2 in Montreal
and Calgary
. CBC would go on to televise Games 3, 4 and 5 nationally. When CTV televised Games 1 and 2, both games were blacked out
in Montreal and Calgary.
On New Year's Eve
1985, CTV broadcast one such game between the Montreal Canadiens and CSKA Moscow
in Montreal
. Although CTV aired the game (as a "Special Presentation of CTV Sports"), it was not considered an official part of NHL on CTV package. That was because the broadcast was presented by Molson instead of Carling O'Keefe. However, the regular NHL on CTV on-air talent were still utilized.
was launched on October 9, 1998 as CTV Sportsnet. The name was chosen to match the regional "Fox Sports Net
" operations across the United States
. CTV
owned 40% and was the managing partner of the new network; Rogers, Molson
and Fox
owned 20% each.
The new network gained credibility before it went on the air, wrestling the NHL Canadian cable package away from long-time holder TSN
. From 1998–99 until 2001–02, Sportsnet aired Labatt Blue Tuesday Night Hockey to a national audience throughout the regular season, and covered first-round playoff series not involving Canadian teams. On the day CTV Sportsnet went on the air, its first live sports event was an NHL opening-night telecast between the Philadelphia Flyers
and New York Rangers
. The national cable rights have since returned to TSN, though Sportsnet retains English regional rights to five of the seven Canadian-based clubs (TSN, through regional feeds, holds regional rights to the remaining two.)
"The Hockey Song
" was used to open NHL broadcasts on CTV Sportsnet in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
to another broadcaster caused some controversy and discussion during the 2006–2007 hockey season. CTV had outbid the CBC
for Canadian television rights to the 2010
and 2012 Olympics
as well as the major television package for curling. The broadcast requirements would have focused on CTV-owned TSN (The Sports Network
), a cable channel which already carries Canadian NHL hockey
during the week as well as other NHL games throughout the season. CTV did, however, buy out the previous theme
to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada for use in TSN's broadcasts immediately after the 2007–08 NHL season.
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
that broadcast National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
games on the CTV Television Network
CTV television network
CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival...
.
Regular season coverage
For the and seasons, CTVCTV television network
CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival...
aired regular season games on Friday nights (and some Sunday afternoons) as well as partial coverage of the playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals
Stanley Cup Finals
The Stanley Cup Finals is the championship series to determine the winner of the Stanley Cup, emblematic of the professional club championship of ice hockey. Although the Cup itself has existed since 1893, an annual championship series between professional teams was not established until 1913...
.
CTV/Carling O'Keefe initially signed a contract well into the 1984-85 season. As a result, they wanted to cram as many games as possible (beginning in February) in the brief window they had. 1985-86's coverage didn't begin until November, so to avoid conflicts with CTV's coverage of the Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
postseason.
While Molson
Molson
Molson-Coors Canada Inc. is the Canadian division of the world's fifth-largest brewing company, the Molson Coors Brewing Company. It is the second oldest company in Canada after the Hudson's Bay Company. Molson's first brewery was located on the St...
continued to present Hockey Night in Canada
Hockey Night in Canada
Hockey Night in Canada is the branding used for CBC Sports' presentations of the National Hockey League...
on Saturday nights on CBC
CBC Television
CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are...
, rival brewery Carling O'Keefe
Carling O'Keefe
Carling O'Keefe originated from Canadian Breweries Limited which was the first brewing conglomerate in Canada and is now owned by Molson Coors Brewing Company.-Carling 1840-1930:...
began airing Friday Night Hockey on CTV. This marked the first time in more than a decade that CBC was not the lone over-the-air
Terrestrial television
Terrestrial television is a mode of television broadcasting which does not involve satellite transmission or cables — typically using radio waves through transmitting and receiving antennas or television antenna aerials...
network broadcaster of the National Hockey League in Canada.
The deal with CTV was arranged by the Quebec Nordiques
Quebec Nordiques
The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...
(who were owned by Carling O'Keefe) and the 14 U.S.-based NHL clubs, who sought to break Molson's monopoly on NHL broadcasting in Canada. All of CTV's regular season telecasts originated from Quebec City
Quebec City
Quebec , also Québec, Quebec City or Québec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec and is located within the Capitale-Nationale region. It is the second most populous city in Quebec after Montreal, which is about to the southwest...
or the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, as Molson shut them out of the other six Canadian buildings (as Carling did to them in Quebec City).
Following the 1985-86 season, CTV decided to pull the plug on the venture. Their limited access to Canadian-based teams (other than Quebec, whose English-speaking fan base was quite small) translated into poor ratings. For the next two years, Carling O'Keefe retained their rights, and syndicated playoff telecasts on a chain of channels that would one day become the Global Television Network
Global Television Network
Global Television Network is an English language privately owned television network in Canada, owned by Calgary-based Shaw Communications, as part of its Shaw Media division...
under the names Stanley Cup '87 and Stanley Cup '88, before a merger between the two breweries put an end to the competition.
1984-85
| Date | Teams |
|---|---|
| February 15 | Edmonton 1984–85 Edmonton Oilers season The 1984–85 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 6th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a Stanley Cup championship in 1983–84. Edmonton would win their fourth-straight Smythe Division title, and repeat as Stanley Cup champions.-Regular season:... -New York Rangers 1984–85 New York Rangers season The 1984–85 New York Rangers season was the 59th season for the team in the National Hockey League . In the regular season, New York had a 26–44–10 record and finished fourth in the Patrick Division... |
| February 22 | St. Louis-Buffalo 1984–85 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... |
| March 1 | Minnesota 1984–85 Minnesota North Stars season -Game log:-External links:... -Detroit 1984–85 Detroit Red Wings season -Regular season:On October 26, 1984, Paul Coffey of the Edmonton Oilers would be the last defenceman in the 20th Century to score four goals in one game... |
| March 8 | Philadelphia 1984–85 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1984–85 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 18th season in the National Hockey League .Mike Keenan, a relative unknown at the time, was hired in 1984 to coach the team, and named second-year player Dave Poulin team captain... -Washington 1984–85 Washington Capitals season -Regular season:Coming off their most successful season in their NHL history , the Capitals were expected to take over leadership of the division from the Islanders, whose fading dynasty was given a blow after the Oilers topped them in the 1984 Finals.Instead, despite a solid start to the season,... |
| March 15 | Winnipeg 1984–85 Winnipeg Jets season The 1984–85 Winnipeg Jets season was the thirteenth season of the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets set an NHL record for most 30-goal scorers in a season and placed second in the Smythe Division to qualify for the playoffs... -Quebec 1984–85 Quebec Nordiques season -Offseason:The Nordiques had a pretty quiet off-season, as they looked to build off of their successful 1983-84 season. The club hired the recently retired Guy Lapointe as an assistant coach, while they also signed goaltender Richard Sevigny as a free agent from the Montreal Canadiens... |
| March 22 | Montreal 1984–85 Montreal Canadiens season The 1984–85 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 76th season of play.-Offseason:*July 1984: Patrick Roy signed his first NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens... -Washington |
| March 24 | Quebec-Hartford 1984–85 Hartford Whalers season -Game log:... |
| March 29 | Edmonton-Hartford |
1985-86
| Date | Teams |
|---|---|
| November 8 | St. Louis 1985–86 St. Louis Blues season The 1985–86 St. Louis Blues season saw the Blues finish in third place in the Norris Division with a record of 37 wins, 34 losses, and 9 ties for 83 points. The Blues participated in the NHL playoffs, beating the Minnesota North Stars in the Norris Division Semi-finals, three games to two,... -Buffalo 1985–86 Buffalo Sabres season The 1985–86 Buffalo Sabres season was the 16th season for the franchise in Buffalo.-Game log:-Skaters:Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes-Goaltenders:... |
| November 15 | Vancouver 1985–86 Vancouver Canucks season -Off-season:Changes were the order of the day after a disastrous 1984-85 campaign. Gone were Vice-President, General Manager, and Head Coach Harry Neale and Associate Coach Ron Smith. Assistant GM Jack Gordon was promoted to GM and Director of Hockey Operations and 1982 Jack Adams Trophy winner Tom... -Washington 1985–86 Washington Capitals season The Washington Capitals are a professional American ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C.; in the 1985–86 season, the team finished with 107 points and won 50 games for the first time in franchise history, good enough for the third-best record in the National Hockey League... |
| November 22 | Winnipeg 1985–86 Winnipeg Jets season The 1985–86 Winnipeg Jets season was the fourteenth season of the Winnipeg Jets. General Manager John Ferguson replaced coach Barry Long late in the season and guided the club on an interim basis to a 7-6-1 record... -Pittsburgh 1985–86 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1985–86 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins' nineteenth season in the National Hockey League . The Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... |
| November 29 | Montreal 1985–86 Montreal Canadiens season The 1985–86 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 77th season. The team won the Stanley Cup for the first time in seven seasons, and their 23rd overall.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Stanley Cup:... -Buffalo |
| December 6 | New York Islanders 1985–86 New York Islanders season The 1985–86 New York Islanders season was the 14th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals;... -Quebec 1985–86 Quebec Nordiques season -Offseason:The Nordiques had a pretty quiet off-season, with the only trade during the summer was acquiring John Anderson from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Brad Maxwell. Anderson was second in Leafs scoring with 32 goals and 63 points in 1984-85. Quebec also made a trade late in the pre-season, as... |
| December 13 | Hartford 1985–86 Hartford Whalers season The 1985–86 Hartford Whalers season saw the Whalers finish in fourth place in the Adams Division with a record of 40 wins, 36 losses, and 4 ties for 84 points. They beat the Quebec Nordiques in the Adams Division Semifinals in three games, for their first and only playoff series victory in... -Buffalo |
| December 20 | New York Islanders-New York Rangers 1985–86 New York Rangers season The 1985–86 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 60th season. The highlight of the season was participating in the Prince of Wales Conference Finals.-Schedule and Results:The 1985–86 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 60th season... |
| December 27 | Montreal-New Jersey 1985–86 New Jersey Devils season The 1985–86 New Jersey Devils season was the team's 4th in the league since moving to New Jersey from Colorado. Kirk Muller making the All-Star Game was the highlight of the season for the Devils, as they finished in last place in their division and conference, good for the third-worst record in... |
| January 3 | Washington-New Jersey |
| January 10 | Edmonton 1985–86 Edmonton Oilers season The 1985–86 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 7th season in the NHL, and they were coming off back to back Stanley Cup Championships. Edmonton would win the Presidents Trophy, as they finished with 119 points, which was a league high and tied the franchise record which was set in the 1983–84... -Quebec |
| January 17 | Quebec-Hartford |
| January 24 | New York Islanders-Washington |
| January 31 | St. Louis-Detroit |
| February 2 | Toronto 1985–86 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1985–86 Toronto Maple Leafs season was the Toronto Maple Leafs 69th season of the franchise, 59th season as the Maple Leafs.-Offseason:-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... -Chicago 1985–86 Chicago Black Hawks season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning... |
| February 7 | Montreal-Washington |
| February 14 | New York Rangers-Detroit 1985–86 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;... |
| February 21 | Quebec-Minnesota 1985–86 Minnesota North Stars season -Game log:-External links:... |
| February 23 | Toronto-Minnesota |
| February 28 | Quebec-Buffalo |
| March 7 | Hartford-Buffalo |
| March 9 | Calgary 1985–86 Calgary Flames season The 1985–86 Calgary Flames season was the sixth season in Calgary and 14th for the Flames franchise in the National Hockey League . It was a banner season for the Flames, who overcame a franchise record eleven game losing streak to finish 2nd in the Smythe Division and captured the franchise's... -Detroit |
| March 14 | Calgary-Quebec |
| March 21 | Winnipeg-Washington |
| March 28 | New York Islanders-Washington |
| April 4 | Montreal-Buffalo |
All-Star Game coverage
The Canadian coverage of the All-Star Game38th National Hockey League All-Star Game
The 38th National Hockey League All-Star Game was held in the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut, home to the Hartford Whalers, on February 4, 1986.-Game summary:*Referee: Ron Wicks*Linesmen: Gord Broseker, John D'Amico...
was to be provided by CTV
CTV television network
CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival...
. However, CTV had a prior commitment to carry a U.S. mini-series. As a result, TSN
NHL on TSN
The NHL on TSN is TSN's broadcast of National Hockey League games. The show's current incarnation debuted in 2002. The channel has exclusive local rights to the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets.-Coverage overview:...
took over coverage of the game in Hartford
Hartford Civic Center
The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is a multi-purpose arena and convention center located in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, USA. It is owned by the City of Hartford and operated by Anschutz Entertainment Group under contract with the Connecticut Development Authority...
.
Playoff coverage
In , Dan KellyDan Kelly (sportscaster)
Patrick Daniel "Dan" Kelly was a Canadian-born sportscaster best known for his radio play-by-play coverage of the St...
and Ron Reusch
Ron Reusch
Ron Reusch is a Canadian sportscaster, active mostly from the 1960s through to 2006.While living in Germany from 1959 to 1967, he worked for CBS Europe, the Canadian Forces Network, and a variety of German radio and television outlets....
called the Philadelphia
1984–85 Philadelphia Flyers season
The 1984–85 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 18th season in the National Hockey League .Mike Keenan, a relative unknown at the time, was hired in 1984 to coach the team, and named second-year player Dave Poulin team captain...
-Quebec
1984–85 Quebec Nordiques season
-Offseason:The Nordiques had a pretty quiet off-season, as they looked to build off of their successful 1983-84 season. The club hired the recently retired Guy Lapointe as an assistant coach, while they also signed goaltender Richard Sevigny as a free agent from the Montreal Canadiens...
Wales Conference Final series. They also televised Games 3, 4 and 6 of the Montreal
1984–85 Montreal Canadiens season
The 1984–85 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 76th season of play.-Offseason:*July 1984: Patrick Roy signed his first NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens...
-Quebec Adams Division Final and Games 2 and 5 of the Philadelphia-New York Islanders
1984–85 New York Islanders season
The 1984–85 New York Islanders season was the 13th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Player stats:...
Patrick Division Final.
In , Kelly and Reusch called the Calgary
1985–86 Calgary Flames season
The 1985–86 Calgary Flames season was the sixth season in Calgary and 14th for the Flames franchise in the National Hockey League . It was a banner season for the Flames, who overcame a franchise record eleven game losing streak to finish 2nd in the Smythe Division and captured the franchise's...
-St.Louis
1985–86 St. Louis Blues season
The 1985–86 St. Louis Blues season saw the Blues finish in third place in the Norris Division with a record of 37 wins, 34 losses, and 9 ties for 83 points. The Blues participated in the NHL playoffs, beating the Minnesota North Stars in the Norris Division Semi-finals, three games to two,...
Campbell Conference Final series. CTV's coverage was blacked out in Calgary, where CBC provided coverage. For the Calgary Flames
1985–86 Calgary Flames season
The 1985–86 Calgary Flames season was the sixth season in Calgary and 14th for the Flames franchise in the National Hockey League . It was a banner season for the Flames, who overcame a franchise record eleven game losing streak to finish 2nd in the Smythe Division and captured the franchise's...
-Winnipeg Jets
1985–86 Winnipeg Jets season
The 1985–86 Winnipeg Jets season was the fourteenth season of the Winnipeg Jets. General Manager John Ferguson replaced coach Barry Long late in the season and guided the club on an interim basis to a 7-6-1 record...
first-round series in , CBC, who initially had the rights to the series, ultimately passed as they were already maxed out with three other series (Montreal
1985–86 Montreal Canadiens season
The 1985–86 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 77th season. The team won the Stanley Cup for the first time in seven seasons, and their 23rd overall.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Stanley Cup:...
-Boston
1985–86 Boston Bruins season
-Game log:- Montreal Canadiens 3, Boston Bruins 0 :-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-External links:...
, Chicago
1985–86 Chicago Black Hawks season
-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning...
-Toronto
1985–86 Toronto Maple Leafs season
The 1985–86 Toronto Maple Leafs season was the Toronto Maple Leafs 69th season of the franchise, 59th season as the Maple Leafs.-Offseason:-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending...
, and Edmonton
1985–86 Edmonton Oilers season
The 1985–86 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 7th season in the NHL, and they were coming off back to back Stanley Cup Championships. Edmonton would win the Presidents Trophy, as they finished with 119 points, which was a league high and tied the franchise record which was set in the 1983–84...
-Vancouver
1985–86 Vancouver Canucks season
-Off-season:Changes were the order of the day after a disastrous 1984-85 campaign. Gone were Vice-President, General Manager, and Head Coach Harry Neale and Associate Coach Ron Smith. Assistant GM Jack Gordon was promoted to GM and Director of Hockey Operations and 1982 Jack Adams Trophy winner Tom...
). The rights to the Calgary-Winnipeg series were eventually sold to the CTV affiliates in Calgary (CFCN
CFCN-TV
CFCN-DT is a Canadian television station, broadcasting in Calgary, Alberta. Owned and operated by Bell Media, it is a part of the CTV Television Network. The station also operates a semi-satellite in Lethbridge....
) and Winnipeg (CKY
CKY-TV
CKY-DT is a television station based in Winnipeg, Manitoba and owned by Bell Media. It is part of the CTV Television Network....
) as well as Carling O'Keefe. On the call were Ed Whalen
Ed Whalen
Ed Whalen was a Canadian television personality and journalist best known worldwide for hosting the popular professional wrestling TV series Stampede Wrestling...
of the Flames and Curt Keilback of the Jets.
CBC and Molson Brewery used a loophole in that games involving Canadian based teams (excluding the Quebec Nordiques
Quebec Nordiques
The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...
) in the playoffs could be televised locally by CBC.
| Year | Round | Series | Games covered | Play-by-play | Colour commentator Color commentator A color commentator is a sports commentator who assists the play-by-play announcer, often by filling in any time when play is not in progress. The color analyst and main commentator will often exchange comments freely throughout the broadcast, when the play-by-play announcer is not describing the... (s) |
| 1985 1985 Stanley Cup playoffs The 1985 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League began on April 10, after the conclusion of the 1984–85 NHL season... |
Divisional finals | Philadelphia 1984–85 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1984–85 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 18th season in the National Hockey League .Mike Keenan, a relative unknown at the time, was hired in 1984 to coach the team, and named second-year player Dave Poulin team captain... -New York Islanders 1984–85 New York Islanders season The 1984–85 New York Islanders season was the 13th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Player stats:... |
Games 2, 5 | Dan Kelly Dan Kelly (sportscaster) Patrick Daniel "Dan" Kelly was a Canadian-born sportscaster best known for his radio play-by-play coverage of the St... |
Ron Reusch Ron Reusch Ron Reusch is a Canadian sportscaster, active mostly from the 1960s through to 2006.While living in Germany from 1959 to 1967, he worked for CBS Europe, the Canadian Forces Network, and a variety of German radio and television outlets.... |
| Montreal 1984–85 Montreal Canadiens season The 1984–85 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 76th season of play.-Offseason:*July 1984: Patrick Roy signed his first NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens... -Quebec 1984–85 Quebec Nordiques season -Offseason:The Nordiques had a pretty quiet off-season, as they looked to build off of their successful 1983-84 season. The club hired the recently retired Guy Lapointe as an assistant coach, while they also signed goaltender Richard Sevigny as a free agent from the Montreal Canadiens... |
Games 3, 4, 6 | Dan Kelly Dan Kelly (sportscaster) Patrick Daniel "Dan" Kelly was a Canadian-born sportscaster best known for his radio play-by-play coverage of the St... |
Ron Reusch Ron Reusch Ron Reusch is a Canadian sportscaster, active mostly from the 1960s through to 2006.While living in Germany from 1959 to 1967, he worked for CBS Europe, the Canadian Forces Network, and a variety of German radio and television outlets.... |
||
| Conference finals | Quebec 1984–85 Quebec Nordiques season -Offseason:The Nordiques had a pretty quiet off-season, as they looked to build off of their successful 1983-84 season. The club hired the recently retired Guy Lapointe as an assistant coach, while they also signed goaltender Richard Sevigny as a free agent from the Montreal Canadiens... -Philadelphia 1985–86 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1985–86 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 19th season in the National Hockey League .A month into the 1985–86 season, Pelle Lindbergh was fatally injured in a car accident. The team rallied and showed perseverance by garnering the best record in the Wales Conference and... |
Games 1–6 | Dan Kelly Dan Kelly (sportscaster) Patrick Daniel "Dan" Kelly was a Canadian-born sportscaster best known for his radio play-by-play coverage of the St... |
Ron Reusch Ron Reusch Ron Reusch is a Canadian sportscaster, active mostly from the 1960s through to 2006.While living in Germany from 1959 to 1967, he worked for CBS Europe, the Canadian Forces Network, and a variety of German radio and television outlets.... |
|
| 1986 1986 Stanley Cup playoffs The 1986 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League began on April 9, after the conclusion of the 1985–86 NHL season... |
Divisional semifinals | Quebec 1985–86 Quebec Nordiques season -Offseason:The Nordiques had a pretty quiet off-season, with the only trade during the summer was acquiring John Anderson from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Brad Maxwell. Anderson was second in Leafs scoring with 32 goals and 63 points in 1984-85. Quebec also made a trade late in the pre-season, as... -Hartford 1985–86 Hartford Whalers season The 1985–86 Hartford Whalers season saw the Whalers finish in fourth place in the Adams Division with a record of 40 wins, 36 losses, and 4 ties for 84 points. They beat the Quebec Nordiques in the Adams Division Semifinals in three games, for their first and only playoff series victory in... |
Game 3 | Ron Reusch Ron Reusch Ron Reusch is a Canadian sportscaster, active mostly from the 1960s through to 2006.While living in Germany from 1959 to 1967, he worked for CBS Europe, the Canadian Forces Network, and a variety of German radio and television outlets.... |
Bobby Taylor Bobby Taylor (ice hockey) Robert Ian Taylor , affectionately known as "Chief", is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently the colour commentator on Tampa Bay Lightning television broadcasts. Previously, he held the same role for the Philadelphia Flyers... |
| Calgary 1985–86 Calgary Flames season The 1985–86 Calgary Flames season was the sixth season in Calgary and 14th for the Flames franchise in the National Hockey League . It was a banner season for the Flames, who overcame a franchise record eleven game losing streak to finish 2nd in the Smythe Division and captured the franchise's... -Winnipeg 1985–86 Winnipeg Jets season The 1985–86 Winnipeg Jets season was the fourteenth season of the Winnipeg Jets. General Manager John Ferguson replaced coach Barry Long late in the season and guided the club on an interim basis to a 7-6-1 record... |
Games 1–3 | Ed Whalen Ed Whalen Ed Whalen was a Canadian television personality and journalist best known worldwide for hosting the popular professional wrestling TV series Stampede Wrestling... |
Curt Keilback | ||
| Divisional finals | Washington 1985–86 Washington Capitals season The Washington Capitals are a professional American ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C.; in the 1985–86 season, the team finished with 107 points and won 50 games for the first time in franchise history, good enough for the third-best record in the National Hockey League... -New York Rangers 1985–86 New York Rangers season The 1985–86 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 60th season. The highlight of the season was participating in the Prince of Wales Conference Finals.-Schedule and Results:The 1985–86 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 60th season... |
Games 4–6 | Dan Kelly Dan Kelly (sportscaster) Patrick Daniel "Dan" Kelly was a Canadian-born sportscaster best known for his radio play-by-play coverage of the St... |
Ron Reusch Ron Reusch Ron Reusch is a Canadian sportscaster, active mostly from the 1960s through to 2006.While living in Germany from 1959 to 1967, he worked for CBS Europe, the Canadian Forces Network, and a variety of German radio and television outlets.... |
|
| Conference finals | Calgary 1985–86 Calgary Flames season The 1985–86 Calgary Flames season was the sixth season in Calgary and 14th for the Flames franchise in the National Hockey League . It was a banner season for the Flames, who overcame a franchise record eleven game losing streak to finish 2nd in the Smythe Division and captured the franchise's... -St. Louis 1985–86 St. Louis Blues season The 1985–86 St. Louis Blues season saw the Blues finish in third place in the Norris Division with a record of 37 wins, 34 losses, and 9 ties for 83 points. The Blues participated in the NHL playoffs, beating the Minnesota North Stars in the Norris Division Semi-finals, three games to two,... |
Games 1–7 | Dan Kelly Dan Kelly (sportscaster) Patrick Daniel "Dan" Kelly was a Canadian-born sportscaster best known for his radio play-by-play coverage of the St... |
Ron Reusch Ron Reusch Ron Reusch is a Canadian sportscaster, active mostly from the 1960s through to 2006.While living in Germany from 1959 to 1967, he worked for CBS Europe, the Canadian Forces Network, and a variety of German radio and television outlets.... |
Stanley Cup Finals coverage
In , Hockey Night in CanadaHockey Night in Canada
Hockey Night in Canada is the branding used for CBC Sports' presentations of the National Hockey League...
moved all playoff coverage from CBC
CBC Television
CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are...
to CTV
CTV television network
CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival...
to avoid conflict with the lengthy NABET
National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians
The National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians is a labor union representing employees in television, radio, film, and media production...
strike
Strike action
Strike action, also called labour strike, on strike, greve , or simply strike, is a work stoppage caused by the mass refusal of employees to work. A strike usually takes place in response to employee grievances. Strikes became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labour became...
against the CBC. Eventually, MacLaren Advertising, in conjunction with Molson Breweries and Imperial Oil
Imperial Oil
Imperial Oil Limited is Canada's largest petroleum company. The company is engaged in the exploration, production and sale of crude oil and natural gas. It is controlled by US based ExxonMobil, which owns 69.6% of its stock...
/Esso
Esso
Esso is an international trade name for ExxonMobil and its related companies. Pronounced , it is derived from the initials of the pre-1911 Standard Oil, and as such became the focus of much litigation and regulatory restriction in the United States. In 1972, it was largely replaced in the U.S. by...
), who actually owned the rights to Hockey Night in Canada (not CBC) decided to give the playoff telecast rights to CTV. Initially, it was on a game by game basis in the quarterfinals (Game 1 of the Boston-Toronto series was seen on CFTO
CFTO-TV
CFTO-DT, broadcast on channel 9 and cable 8, is a television station in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, owned by Bell Media. Currently branded as CTV Toronto, it is the flagship station of the CTV Television Network, and was one of the charter members of the network when it was launched in 1961. It...
Toronto in full while other CTV affiliates, but not all joined the game in progress. Game 1 of the New York Rangers-Montreal series was seen only on CFCF
CFCF-TV
CFCF-DT is a CTV-owned and operated station located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada...
Montreal while Game 4 not televised due to a lockout
Lockout (industry)
A lockout is a work stoppage in which an employer prevents employees from working. This is different from a strike, in which employees refuse to work.- Causes :...
of technicians at the Montreal Forum
Montreal Forum
The Montreal Forum was an indoor arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Called "the most storied building in hockey history" by Sporting News, it was home of the National Hockey League's Montreal Maroons from 1924 to 1938 and the Montreal Canadiens from 1926 to 1996...
), and then the full semifinals and Stanley Cup Finals. Because CTV did not have 100% penetration in Canada at this time, they asked CBC (who ultimately refused) to allow whatever one of their affiliates were the sole network in that market to show the playoffs. As a result, the 1972 Stanley Cup playoffs were not seen in some of the smaller Canadian markets unless said markets were close enough to the United States border to pick up the signal of a CBS
NHL on CBS
NHL on CBS is a former television program that broadcast National Hockey League games on CBS Sports. CBS was the first American television network to broadcast NHL games.-1956–1960 version:...
affiliate.
| Round | Series | Games covered | Play-by-play | Colour commentators Color commentator A color commentator is a sports commentator who assists the play-by-play announcer, often by filling in any time when play is not in progress. The color analyst and main commentator will often exchange comments freely throughout the broadcast, when the play-by-play announcer is not describing the... (s) |
| Quarterfinals | Boston 1971–72 Boston Bruins season The 1971–72 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 48th season in the NHL. For the second time in three years, the Bruins won the Stanley Cup.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Playoffs:... -Toronto 1971–72 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1971–72 Toronto Maple Leafs season was Toronto's fifty-fifth season of operation in the National Hockey League . It was also the fortieth anniversary season of the opening of Maple Leaf Gardens... |
Games 1–5 | Bill Hewitt Bill Hewitt Foster William Alfred Hewitt was a Canadian radio and television sportscaster. He was the son of hockey broadcaster Foster Hewitt and the grandson of Toronto Star sports journalist W. A. Hewitt.Hewitt excelled at football, track & field and hockey, while at Upper Canada College... |
Bob Goldham Bob Goldham Robert John "Golden Boy" Goldham is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He played two seasons for the Toronto Marlboros earning the name "Golden Boy"... (Games 1–2, 5) Brian McFarlane Brian McFarlane Brian McFarlane is a Canadian television sportscaster and author. He is also the Honorary President of the Society for International Hockey Research. He is the son of the prolific writer Leslie McFarlane who wrote many of the early Hardy Boys books.-Early life and career:Brian McFarlane attended St... (Game 3–4) |
| New York Rangers 1971–72 New York Rangers season The 1971–72 New York Rangers season was the 46th season in franchise history. Jean Ratelle, Vic Hadfield, and Rod Gilbert ranked third, fourth and fifth overall in league scoring. The Rangers qualified for the postseason for the sixth consecutive season... -Montreal 1971–72 Montreal Canadiens season The 1971–72 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 63rd season of play. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round.-Game log:-Playoffs:... |
Games 1–6 | Danny Gallivan Danny Gallivan Danny Gallivan was a Canadian radio and television broadcaster and sportscaster.-Early life and career:Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Gallivan began his broadcast career at a local radio station in Antigonish, Nova Scotia while attending St. Francis Xavier University... |
Dick Irvin, Jr. Dick Irvin, Jr. James Dickinson Irvin, Jr. is a retired Canadian sports broadcaster and author. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 under the broadcasters category1... |
|
| Minnesota 1971–72 Minnesota North Stars season The 1971–72 Minnesota North Stars season was the Stars' fifth season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Stars finished in second place in the West Division and qualified for the playoffs. The Stars lost in the first round to the St. Louis Blues.-Game log:-Quarter-final:Versus St.... -St. Louis 1971–72 St. Louis Blues season The 1971–72 St. Louis Blues season was the fifth for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. The Blues finished the season in third place in the Western Division, with a record of 28 wins, 39 losses and 11 ties, good for 67 points, placing them in the playoffs, where they defeated the Minnesota... |
Game 7 | Danny Gallivan Danny Gallivan Danny Gallivan was a Canadian radio and television broadcaster and sportscaster.-Early life and career:Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Gallivan began his broadcast career at a local radio station in Antigonish, Nova Scotia while attending St. Francis Xavier University... |
Dick Irvin, Jr. Dick Irvin, Jr. James Dickinson Irvin, Jr. is a retired Canadian sports broadcaster and author. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 under the broadcasters category1... |
|
| Semifinals | Boston 1971–72 Boston Bruins season The 1971–72 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 48th season in the NHL. For the second time in three years, the Bruins won the Stanley Cup.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Playoffs:... -St. Louis 1971–72 St. Louis Blues season The 1971–72 St. Louis Blues season was the fifth for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. The Blues finished the season in third place in the Western Division, with a record of 28 wins, 39 losses and 11 ties, good for 67 points, placing them in the playoffs, where they defeated the Minnesota... |
Games 3–4 | Danny Gallivan Danny Gallivan Danny Gallivan was a Canadian radio and television broadcaster and sportscaster.-Early life and career:Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Gallivan began his broadcast career at a local radio station in Antigonish, Nova Scotia while attending St. Francis Xavier University... |
Dick Irvin, Jr. Dick Irvin, Jr. James Dickinson Irvin, Jr. is a retired Canadian sports broadcaster and author. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988 under the broadcasters category1... |
| Chicago 1971–72 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1971–72 Chicago Black Hawks season was the Hawks' forty-sixth season in the NHL, and the club's second consecutive first place finish in the NHL West, as they had 46 victories and 107 points... -New York Rangers 1971–72 New York Rangers season The 1971–72 New York Rangers season was the 46th season in franchise history. Jean Ratelle, Vic Hadfield, and Rod Gilbert ranked third, fourth and fifth overall in league scoring. The Rangers qualified for the postseason for the sixth consecutive season... |
Games 2–4 | Bill Hewitt Bill Hewitt Foster William Alfred Hewitt was a Canadian radio and television sportscaster. He was the son of hockey broadcaster Foster Hewitt and the grandson of Toronto Star sports journalist W. A. Hewitt.Hewitt excelled at football, track & field and hockey, while at Upper Canada College... |
Bob Goldham Bob Goldham Robert John "Golden Boy" Goldham is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He played two seasons for the Toronto Marlboros earning the name "Golden Boy"... |
In 1974, some CTV affiliates (like CFTO
CFTO-TV
CFTO-DT, broadcast on channel 9 and cable 8, is a television station in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, owned by Bell Media. Currently branded as CTV Toronto, it is the flagship station of the CTV Television Network, and was one of the charter members of the network when it was launched in 1961. It...
in Toronto and CFCF
CFCF-TV
CFCF-DT is a CTV-owned and operated station located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada...
in Montreal) picked up the American feed from NBC (with Tim Ryan
Tim Ryan (sportscaster)
Tim Ryan is an American sportscaster, currently a resident of Ketchum, Idaho.-Early life and career:Raised in Canada, Ryan graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1960, and took a job the newly-formed CFTO as an assistant sports director...
and Ted Lindsay
Ted Lindsay
Robert Blake Theodore Lindsay is a former professional ice hockey player, a forward for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Black Hawks of the National Hockey League . He scored over 800 points in his Hockey Hall of Fame career, won the Art Ross Trophy in 1950, and won the Stanley Cup four times...
on the call) of Game 4 of the Montreal
1973–74 Montreal Canadiens season
The 1973–74 Montreal Canadiens season was the 65th season in team history. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the New York Rangers.-Offseason:...
-New York Rangers
1973–74 New York Rangers season
The 1973–74 New York Rangers season was the 48th season for the team in the National Hockey League . The Rangers compiled 94 points during the regular season and finished third in the East Division. The team made the Stanley Cup playoffs, where New York defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4–2 in the...
playoff series. CKY
CKY-TV
CKY-DT is a television station based in Winnipeg, Manitoba and owned by Bell Media. It is part of the CTV Television Network....
in Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
and ATV
CTV Atlantic
CTV Atlantic is a system of four television stations in the Canadian Maritimes, owned and operated by the CTV Television Network, a division of Bell Media...
in Moncton, New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
(CKCW
CKCW-TV
CKCW-DT is a Canadian television station, broadcasting in Moncton, New Brunswick. It is an owned and operated station of CTV Television Network, through the CTV Atlantic regional system in the Canadian Maritimes....
) perhaps most notably, did not air that particular game.
In , CBC
Hockey Night in Canada
Hockey Night in Canada is the branding used for CBC Sports' presentations of the National Hockey League...
televised Games 1 and 2 nationally while Games 3, 4 and 5 were televised in Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
only. CTV
CTV television network
CTV Television Network is a Canadian English language television network and is owned by Bell Media. It is Canada's largest privately-owned network, and has consistently placed as Canada's top-rated network in total viewers and in key demographics since 2002, after several years trailing the rival...
televised Games 3, 4 and 5 nationally while games were blacked out
Blackout (broadcasting)
Blackout usually relates to the broadcasting of sports events, television programming, that is prohibited in a certain media market.The purpose is theoretically to generate more revenue by obliging certain actions from fans, either by making them buy tickets or watch other games on TV...
in Edmonton
Edmonton
Edmonton is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta and is the province's second-largest city. Edmonton is located on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Capital Region, which is surrounded by the central region of the province.The city and its census...
.
In , CBC only televised Games 1 and 2 in Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
and Calgary
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
. CBC would go on to televise Games 3, 4 and 5 nationally. When CTV televised Games 1 and 2, both games were blacked out
Blackout (broadcasting)
Blackout usually relates to the broadcasting of sports events, television programming, that is prohibited in a certain media market.The purpose is theoretically to generate more revenue by obliging certain actions from fans, either by making them buy tickets or watch other games on TV...
in Montreal and Calgary.
NHL-Soviet Super Series
In 1979-80, 1982-83, 1985-86, 1988-89 and 1989-90, CTV televised a handful of games of the NHL-Soviet Super Series, where touring Soviet clubs visited NHL teams in a series of exhibition games.On New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies, New Year's Eve is often celebrated at social gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to mark the...
1985, CTV broadcast one such game between the Montreal Canadiens and CSKA Moscow
HC CSKA Moscow
HC CSKA Moscow is a Russian ice hockey club that plays in the Kontinental Hockey League. It is referred to in the West as "Central Red Army" or the "Red Army Team" for its past affiliation with the Soviet Army, popularly known as the Red Army...
in Montreal
Montreal Forum
The Montreal Forum was an indoor arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Called "the most storied building in hockey history" by Sporting News, it was home of the National Hockey League's Montreal Maroons from 1924 to 1938 and the Montreal Canadiens from 1926 to 1996...
. Although CTV aired the game (as a "Special Presentation of CTV Sports"), it was not considered an official part of NHL on CTV package. That was because the broadcast was presented by Molson instead of Carling O'Keefe. However, the regular NHL on CTV on-air talent were still utilized.
CTV Sportsnet's coverage
SportsnetRogers Sportsnet
Sportsnet was launched on October 9, 1998 as CTV Sportsnet. The name was chosen to match the regional "Fox Sports Net" operations across the United States...
was launched on October 9, 1998 as CTV Sportsnet. The name was chosen to match the regional "Fox Sports Net
Fox Sports Net
The Fox Sports Regional Networks, or simply Fox Sports Net , are a collection of cable TV regional sports networks in the United States owned and operated by News Corporation.- Beginnings :...
" operations across the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. CTV
CTVglobemedia
CTVglobemedia , was one of Canada's largest private media companies. Its operations include newspaper publishing , television broadcasting and production , radio broadcasting , and their respective Internet properties.Originally established by BCE and the Thomson family in 2001 combining CTV Inc.,...
owned 40% and was the managing partner of the new network; Rogers, Molson
Molson
Molson-Coors Canada Inc. is the Canadian division of the world's fifth-largest brewing company, the Molson Coors Brewing Company. It is the second oldest company in Canada after the Hudson's Bay Company. Molson's first brewery was located on the St...
and Fox
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
owned 20% each.
The new network gained credibility before it went on the air, wrestling the NHL Canadian cable package away from long-time holder TSN
NHL on TSN
The NHL on TSN is TSN's broadcast of National Hockey League games. The show's current incarnation debuted in 2002. The channel has exclusive local rights to the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets.-Coverage overview:...
. From 1998–99 until 2001–02, Sportsnet aired Labatt Blue Tuesday Night Hockey to a national audience throughout the regular season, and covered first-round playoff series not involving Canadian teams. On the day CTV Sportsnet went on the air, its first live sports event was an NHL opening-night telecast between the Philadelphia Flyers
1998–99 Philadelphia Flyers season
The 1998–99 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 32nd season in the National Hockey League .In the off-season, the Flyers went looking for a new goaltender. Sean Burke hadn't worked out well enough and Ron Hextall was about to enter his final season as a backup...
and New York Rangers
1998–99 New York Rangers season
The 1998–99 New York Rangers season was the 73rd season for the franchise. The aspect of the season was that it was Wayne Gretzky’s final season.-The Great One Retires:...
. The national cable rights have since returned to TSN, though Sportsnet retains English regional rights to five of the seven Canadian-based clubs (TSN, through regional feeds, holds regional rights to the remaining two.)
"The Hockey Song
The Hockey Song
"The Hockey Song" is a song written and originally performed by Canadian folksinger Stompin' Tom Connors.The song first appeared on Connors' 1973 album, Stompin' Tom and the Hockey Song. However, the song did not reach its tremendous popularity until 1997. It was at this time that the song was...
" was used to open NHL broadcasts on CTV Sportsnet in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Hockey Night in Canada rumours
The possible movement of Hockey Night in CanadaHockey Night in Canada
Hockey Night in Canada is the branding used for CBC Sports' presentations of the National Hockey League...
to another broadcaster caused some controversy and discussion during the 2006–2007 hockey season. CTV had outbid the CBC
CBC Television
CBC Television is a Canadian television network owned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the national public broadcaster.Although the CBC is supported by public funding, the television network supplements this funding with commercial advertising revenue, in contrast to CBC Radio which are...
for Canadian television rights to the 2010
2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
and 2012 Olympics
2012 Summer Olympics
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the "London 2012 Olympic Games", are scheduled to take place in London, England, United Kingdom from 27 July to 12 August 2012...
as well as the major television package for curling. The broadcast requirements would have focused on CTV-owned TSN (The Sports Network
The Sports Network
The Sports Network, commonly abbreviated as TSN, is a Canadian English language Category C specialty channel and is Canada's leading English language sports TV channel. TSN premiered in 1984, in the first group of Canadian specialty cable channels...
), a cable channel which already carries Canadian NHL hockey
NHL on TSN
The NHL on TSN is TSN's broadcast of National Hockey League games. The show's current incarnation debuted in 2002. The channel has exclusive local rights to the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets.-Coverage overview:...
during the week as well as other NHL games throughout the season. CTV did, however, buy out the previous theme
The Hockey Theme
"The Hockey Theme" is a Canadian theme song written in 1968 by Dolores Claman and orchestrated by Jerry Toth. It has been referred to as Canada's second national anthem....
to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada for use in TSN's broadcasts immediately after the 2007–08 NHL season.
Play-by-play
- Bill HewittBill HewittFoster William Alfred Hewitt was a Canadian radio and television sportscaster. He was the son of hockey broadcaster Foster Hewitt and the grandson of Toronto Star sports journalist W. A. Hewitt.Hewitt excelled at football, track & field and hockey, while at Upper Canada College...
- 1972 Stanley Cup Finals1972 Stanley Cup Finals-Boston Bruins 1972 Stanley Cup champions:-See also:* List of Stanley Cup champions* 1971–72 Boston Bruins season* 1971–72 NHL season* 1971–72 New York Rangers season-References:... - Dan KellyDan Kelly (sportscaster)Patrick Daniel "Dan" Kelly was a Canadian-born sportscaster best known for his radio play-by-play coverage of the St...
- -
Colour commentators
- Brian McFarlaneBrian McFarlaneBrian McFarlane is a Canadian television sportscaster and author. He is also the Honorary President of the Society for International Hockey Research. He is the son of the prolific writer Leslie McFarlane who wrote many of the early Hardy Boys books.-Early life and career:Brian McFarlane attended St...
- 1972 Stanley Cup Finals1972 Stanley Cup Finals-Boston Bruins 1972 Stanley Cup champions:-See also:* List of Stanley Cup champions* 1971–72 Boston Bruins season* 1971–72 NHL season* 1971–72 New York Rangers season-References:... - Ron ReuschRon ReuschRon Reusch is a Canadian sportscaster, active mostly from the 1960s through to 2006.While living in Germany from 1959 to 1967, he worked for CBS Europe, the Canadian Forces Network, and a variety of German radio and television outlets....
- 1985-1986
Studio hosts
- Dave HodgeDave HodgeDave Hodge is a Canadian sports announcer who currently works for TSN, and has worked in the past for the CBC and CFRB 1010 radio in Toronto.-Broadcasting career:...
- 1972 Stanley Cup Finals1972 Stanley Cup Finals-Boston Bruins 1972 Stanley Cup champions:-See also:* List of Stanley Cup champions* 1971–72 Boston Bruins season* 1971–72 NHL season* 1971–72 New York Rangers season-References:... - Dan MathesonDan MathesonDan Matheson is a Canadian journalist and news anchor currently presenting the news in the primetime hours on CTV News Channel, since September 2001.-Early life and career:...
- 1984-1986
Studio analysts
- Brad ParkBrad ParkDouglas Bradford Park is a retired ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings...
- 1985 playoffs (after Detroit1984–85 Detroit Red Wings season-Regular season:On October 26, 1984, Paul Coffey of the Edmonton Oilers would be the last defenceman in the 20th Century to score four goals in one game...
was eliminated). Park retired from playing in the summer of 1985 and joined the CTV crew as a studio analyst for the 1985–86 season. However, he was hired mid-season to replace Harry NealeHarry NealeHarold Watson Neale is a hockey colour commentator, who currently works for the Buffalo Sabres on the Sabres Hockey Network...
as head coach of the Red Wings, forcing him to leave CTV. He once again re-joined the crew for the playoffs, which Detroit1985–86 Detroit Red Wings season-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;...
did not qualify for. - Bobby TaylorBobby Taylor (ice hockey)Robert Ian Taylor , affectionately known as "Chief", is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently the colour commentator on Tampa Bay Lightning television broadcasts. Previously, he held the same role for the Philadelphia Flyers...
External links
- CTV.ca | CTV Sports
- NHL on CTV - Google Search (timeline)