Hockey Central is the brand used for programs and segments covering hockey (particularly the National Hockey League) on the Canadian sports channel Sportsnet. The Hockey Central name encompasses several programs, including segments aired during Sportsnet Central, pre-game reports for Hockey Night in Canada and other NHL telecasts on Sportsnet, CBC, Citytv, and the Sportsnet 590 radio show Hockey Central at Noon.
| Hockey Central | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Hockey Central Saturday |
| Genre | Hockey news |
| Presented by | Tuesday-Wednesday: David Amber Thursday-Friday: Faizal Khamisa Saturday: Ron MacLean |
| 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 | |
Overview
editFormat
editThe typical format of Hockey Central's segments during Sportsnet 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 between Bill Watters and Nick Kypreos.
In the summer of 2006, host Darren Dreger left Sportsnet to join TSN and in 2018, Daren Millard left the network, and in 2021, Jeff Marek moved to an NHL insider role. Caroline Cameron (currently on maternity leave) and David Amber are the current hosts of most of the Hockey Central segments appearing on Sportsnet.
As of Rogers' 2014-15 rights deal, Hockey Central Saturday replaced Scotiabank Hockey Tonight as the pre-game show for Hockey Night in Canada, airing in simulcast with Sportsnet and CBC Television.[1][2]
During the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, The Score (after its purchase by Rogers) aired a nightly Hockey Central Playoff Xtra.[3][4]
Radio versions
editSportsnet'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.
Hockey Central on CJCL
editRogers' Toronto radio station CJCL broadcasts a radio version of the show, initially known as Hockey Central at Noon, which is simulcast by Sportsnet 360. It is currently hosted by Jeff Marek and features Anthony 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 by Greg 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 host Hockey 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, with Howard 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 a Toronto Maple Leafs-focused program immediately before Hockey Central, the Leafs Hour, with Ben Ennis and JD Bunkis.
Hockey Central 960
editCFAC in Calgary broadcasts Hockey Central 960, which is hosted by Kelly Kirch and Peter Klein. The program primarily focuses on coverage of the Calgary Flames.
Canucks Central at Noon
editCISL in Vancouver broadcasts Canucks Central at Noon, which is hosted by Scott Rintoul and Bik Nizzar, and focuses on the Vancouver Canucks.
Personalities
edit- David Amber
- Caroline Cameron (currently on maternity leave)
- Faizal Khamisa
- Justin Bourne
- Sam Cosentino
- Elliotte Friedman
- Jennifer Botterill
- Anson Carter
- Luke Gazdic
- Colby Armstrong
- Ron MacLean (Hockey Central Saturday only)
- Kelly Hrudey (Hockey Central Saturday only)
- Kevin Bieksa (Hockey Central Saturday only)
Former personalities
edit- Greg Brady (Hockey Central at Noon only)
- Mike Brophy
- Cassie Campbell-Pascall
- Chantal Desjardins (Canadiens Central only)
- Glenn Healy
- Leah Hextall (Hockey Central Alberta only)
- Nick Kypreos
- Pierre LeBrun
- Doug MacLean
- Jeff Marek
- Daren Millard
- John Shannon
- Christine Simpson
- Anthony Stewart
- P.J. Stock
- George Stroumboulopoulos (Hockey Central Saturday only)
- Keith Yandle
See also
edit- That's Hockey, a competing program aired by TSN
References
edit- ^ "The "new" 'Hockey Night in Canada': Much of the same, for better or worse". Awful Announcing. 12 October 2014. Retrieved 3 December 2014.
- ^ "Rogers unveils plans for NHL broadcasts next season". Toronto Star. February 4, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
- ^ Houpt, Simon (30 April 2013). "CRTC clears way for Rogers to buy Score". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ^ "CRTC Gives Final Approval to Rogers' Acquisition of Score Media". Broadcaster Magazine. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ^ "Sportsnet 590 the Fan - Sportsnet.ca".
- ^ Thiessen, Connie (2019-09-25). "Tim & Sid return to radio as part of new Sportsnet 590 The Fan lineup". Broadcast Dialogue. Retrieved 2019-11-27.