Finally – Changes To Hockey Night in Canada

Sports is to be announced by someone that has a grasp for either the sport they are broadcasting or the sport they are chosen to broadcast.

Some are a “fit”, while others have “no grasp” of what or how to announce sports, the usage of the terminology or even how to “get excited”.

This happens in various sports, regardless of location, country or the level of the sport.

Say what you will, sports broadcasting is “big business” and in some cases maybe it’s about who you are or who you know that get’s someone the position or job.

Social media in today’s world plays a huge role and it can either help or hinder the announcer, station and/or sport and such was the case with Hockey Night in Canada.

Say what you will to broadcast any sport takes a special skill that not everyone has, but some give it their best shot, but still struggle.

No different than the NFL Game of the Week in the US, hockey in Canada is like the Anthem for Canada’s cold months, which for most is from September to May or possibly later.

With changes taking place at Rogers if you look back three years ago Rogers announced it’s enormous deal with the NHL, replacing Ron MacLean with former Much Music and CBC personality George Stroumboulopoulos.

What a culture shock to the hockey world knowing that MacLean was shuffled off to host Hometown Hockey on of all nights – Sunday!!

A short two seasons into the contract it seems that the Executives at Rogers have “thrown in the towel” and are moving back to what everyone in Canada wanted or better yet on social media – demanded!!

You could say it was the fact that it was fueled by the fact that no Canadian teams were chasing Lord Stanley’s Coveted Cup or was it the ratings?

The overall average for the Stanley Cup final was 2.08 million viewers; a decrease of 13% compared to the previous year that saw 2.4 million.

What has been most interesting has been the outpouring of social media that looks to be incredibly pro-MacLean, even from a younger audience.

Now its official and former host Ron MacLean is finally returning to host Hockey Night in Canada who will be working alongside David Amber.

MacLean will host the first Game Saturday nights, allowing David Amber to host the second of the double header – er-Game 2.

MacLean will also continue to host what many turn in for Don Cherry’s “Coach’s Corner” during the first intermission of Game 1.

Immediately following his hosting duties on Saturday nights for game one, he (MacLean) will travel to 24 various communities across Canada to host Sunday’s feature – “Rogers Hometown Hockey”.

Scott Moore President of Sportsnet & NHL Properties, Rogers stated “The impact (MacLean) has had on the game and in communities across the country is immeasurable.

MacLean is friendly, understanding and has a personality that is unmatched by several of his broadcast on-air “team”.

MacLean has practically 20 years of sports broadcast experience (eight years as anchor and reporter with ESPN) as well as covering four (4) Olympic Games and a two-year stint hosting NHL “On The Fly”.

Strombo might be talented, but he simply wasn’t the fit for hockey and given what he has done for the station, you think they could place him in a different role – but it’s unsure what he could do away from sports, because that’s simply not for him.

George Stroumboulopoulos departs or leaves the company to explore new creative opportunities that will work for him.

They will continue to use three panelists during the intermission and two are great, one extra should also head out.

You chose: Elliotte Friedman, Kelly Hrudey, and Nick Kypreos are the three that will join MacLean and Amber in-studio for all Saturday night games.

It took long enough to make this change and maybe hockey can revert back to having fans tune in.

The story line in social media during the season was “Name one broadcaster on Hockey Night in Canada that can make you turn down the sound to listen to your wife during the intermission – you make the call???

If only they could make it exciting like the Punjab – The guy’s do a great job and despite the lack of understanding, it’s pure excitement.

Great call for the guy’s and the community!!