When it comes to sports channels, the popular ones all seem to be run by the professional sports leagues themselves.
Channels like the NFL Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV all have solid viewership and are innovative in sports programming. In terms of these three particular channels, no one does it better than the NFL Network as they have tons of original programming, a large number of hosts, show a ton of NFL Films’s-related documentaries and highlights, and so much more.
With that said, I think the NHL Network deserves a lot of credit for what they do every single day. I am a huge fan of the NHL Network.
I live in the U.S. and have been a viewer since the 2007-08 season. I watch it every single day and night without any kind of hesitation.
For starters, I believe that they have many well-rounded hosts. I love the work that Jackie Redmond, Jamison Coyle, Lauren Gardner, Jamie Hersch, and others do on a daily basis, as they are engaging, enthusiastic, and extremely knowledgeable about hockey.
They also have great hockey folks like EJ Hradek, Mike Rupp, Bruce Boudreau, Stu Grimson, Billy Jaffe, Mike Johnson, Mike Kelly, Steve Konroyd, Ken Daneyko, and many others who do an excellent job of providing unique perspectives and analysis when it comes to our favorite sports. While it is a rotating cast of hosts and former players, they all consistently provide solid content night in and night out.
In my opinion, Kevin Weekes is the best there is at NHL Network. He brings fans amazing content with great analysis, a ton of passion, knowledge from a former player, and interesting tidbits from around the game.
Secondly, one of the best things they do is use a former player (s) and host to show a certain goal or save was made using their makeshift rink in the studio. Together, the host and the former player (s) provide solid analysis, give terrific examples, and do a good job explaining to the viewer why a certain play or save was able to be completed.
I also believe that the Network has the potential to be even better than it is now. The league needs to continue to figure out ways to grow the game, and there is no doubt that the NHL Network can help play a huge role in that.
If you are a hockey fan and are not watching the NHL Network, you are missing out on a great channel. Do yourselves a favor, and make sure to tune in!
