Live World Cup of Hockey games on ESPN have "reignited the debate over whether hockey needs the network in order to grow in popularity in the U.S.," according to Stephen Whyno of the AP. NHL players "will be all over the ESPN airwaves" for the first time since '04, starting with the exhibitions games and continuing Sept. 17 when the tournament begins. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has been "steadfast in his support of NBC, which has showcased NHL coverage on its main over-the-air channel and on cable via the NBC Sports Network." However, "it's not ESPN, with its deep connection to American fans of all sports." ESPN's Steve Levy, Barry Melrose, John Buccigross and Kevin Weekes will call the games. Last year, NBC said that other "programming commitments made the World Cup challenging." NHLPA Exec Dir Don Fehr said that "going to ESPN was a 'vote of confidence' the network would have a successful national broadcast." ESPN Exec VP/Programming & Scheduling Burke Magnus "didn't want to speculate about getting the NHL back full time in a few years" (AP, 9/7).
DOCUMENTING HISTORY: In Portland, Corey Sheldon noted the NHL Network is launching its "first-ever documentary series, NHL Network Originals." To mark the start of the '16 WCOH, the first installment of NHL Originals, named "Orchestrating An Upset: The 1996 World Cup of Hockey" debuts Wednesday at 10:00pm ET, which is "20 years to the day that Team USA defeated favored Team Canada to win the inaugural" WCOH. It will be narrated by Metallica singer James Hetfield, and hockey broadcasters Don Cherry, Mike Emrick and NHL VP/Communications John Dellapina will "share insight on the tournament's signature moments" (Portland OREGONIAN, 9/8).
