Rogers Communications yesterday announced its "45-person team for Sportsnet's NHL coverage in the network's first season with exclusive Canadian national television rights," according to the CP. Many of the "new additions come from CBC, including analysts Glenn Healy, Kelly Hrudey, Craig Simpson, P.J. Stock and Gary Galley and reporter Cassie Campbell-Pascall." Mike Johnson, formerly of the NHL Network, and Darren Pang, who has worked for the Blues and TSN, will "join as analysts, while Leah Hextall comes to Sportsnet from NESN in Boston as a reporter." Rogers also announced Rick Ball "would do play-by-play" on Flames broadcasts and Drew Remenda "would do analysis" on Oilers broadcasts (CP, 8/28).
VICE VERSA: In Philadelphia, Jeff Neiburg reported Flyers announcer Steve Coates will be "heading back to the radio booth" this season after spending the last 16 years as the team's TV color analyst. He will be "trading places" with former radio analyst Chris Therien. Coates previously worked on the team's radio broadcast from '91-97. Before that, he "served as studio host on the television broadcast." Therien has spent the past six seasons as part of the radio team, but he now "will head 'inside the glass'" on TV. He has "previous television experience, having spent time as an analyst" on CSN Philadelphia's postgame show (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 8/28). Also in Philadelphia, Jeff Blumenthal reported the club will "televise 70 games locally in the Philadelphia market," with 61 on CSN Philadelphia and nine on The Comcast Network. The remaining 12 games will be "exclusive national telecasts" on either NBC or NBCSN (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/27).
WE NEED A BIGGER BOAT: In San Jose, David Pollak reported Sharks radio analyst Jamie Baker is "moving into the TV booth" on CSN California to "fill the vacancy left" by Remenda, who was let go in June. Baker will "handle the TV commentary alongside play-by-play analyst Randy Hahn." Bret Hedican will "take Baker's place" on the radio side alongside Dan Rusanowsky. Baker will "continue to work with Rusanowsky on digital media and at special events." Hedican has "handled 'inside the glass' and studio coverage for CSNCA over the past five seasons." Additionally, Curtis Brown will have an "expanded broadcast role and serve as lead analyst in both the pre-game and post-game shows on CSNCA" (MERCURYNEWS.com, 8/27).
HOT PLATE: In Calgary, Randy Sportak reports announcer Derek Wills is the "new radio voice" for the Flames, "taking over for the retired Peter Maher." Wills received his "first crack at calling a NHL game this past season when he replaced Rick Jeanneret" for one Sabres broadcast (CALGARY SUN, 8/29).
