NHL Network is set to acquire the rights to multiple international hockey tournaments as the net looks to continue its growth under the watch of MLBAM. The net is in discussions with USA Hockey to acquire the exclusive U.S. rights to the entirety of the IIHF World Juniors, U18 Men’s World Championship and Women’s World Championship. Previously, it aired only games involving the U.S. teams at these tournaments, in addition to other select games. The net last month acquired the U.S. rights to the IIHF World Championships through '20. Financial terms were not disclosed. “It’s becoming more and more evident the close connection between these tournaments and the NHL. You see it when you can connect the dots for a fan between the guy who just scored for Team Finland and explain he’s the second-round pick of the team they like,” said NHL Network Senior Coordinating Producer Josh Bernstein. "It’s part of our job to make sure we’re not only shining a light on the current NHL players, but future ones as well.” USA Hockey did not respond to a request for comment.
SUMMER LOVIN': MLBAM just concluded its second season operating the net, part of a six-year deal it signed with the NHL for the league’s digital rights in '15. However, this will be the first normal offseason it will be able to cover the league. Its '15 deal was completed in August, just two months ahead of the season’s start, and last year’s offseason was truncated by the World Cup of Hockey. While plans are not yet complete, Bernstein said NHL Network will look to offer deeper dives into the teams and their rosters, spend more time at training camps and highlight the new arenas in Detroit and Las Vegas. It also will continue the documentary series that it launched last year, “NHL Network Originals,” and will launch a new year-in-review show focused on USA Hockey. As it did last year, NHL Network will have nightly coverage of the league through the offseason via its flagship show, “NHL Tonight,” and is planning a full day of coverage for the opening of free agency on Saturday. The net also will take the offseason to replace “NHL Now” host Steve Mears, who signed a multiyear deal with AT&T SportsNet to become the new play-by-play broadcaster for the Penguins. Bernstein said the net also may look to change elements of the show itself as well.
