HDNet will begin its fourth year of coverage of NHL hockey games starting in October. Last year, the NHL became the first professional U.S. sports league to go on strike through an entire season. HDNet will broadcast 52 games in HD.
The opening night of the season (Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. EDT) between Phoenix and Vancouver will mark the debut of NHL great Wayne Gretzky as an NHL coach for Phoenix. Perhaps more than most sports, hockey seems tailor-made for HD (or vice versa) because it's often possible to see the puck in action in 1080i (HDNet's preference) or 720p, something that is often missing in SD.
All broadcasts will be original HDNet productions. The channel is available on DirecTV,EchoStar and several cable systems. (The Outdoor Life Network Outdoor Life Network had earlier announced it will also broadcast NHL games in HD.) HDNet's schedule for October (all times ET) includes:
Wednesday, Oct. 5: Coyotes vs. Canucks 10:00 PM
Thursday, Oct. 6: Red Wings vs. Blues 8:00 PM
Saturday, Oct. 8: Bruins vs. Penguins 7:30 PM
Thursday, Oct.13: Predators vs. Coyotes 10:00 PM
Saturday, Oct.15: Lightning vs. Penguins 7:30 PM
Thursday, Oct. 20: Rangers vs. Islanders 7:00 PM
Saturday, Oct. 22: Hurricanes vs. Capitals 7:00 PM
Thursday, Oct. 27: Blackhawks vs. Red Wings 7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct. 29: Hurricanes vs. Penguins 7:30 PM
