In Denver, Mike Chambers noted the Avalanche's regular-season opener against the Blues tonight "will not be aired locally on NBC Sports Network, which previously said would carry the game exclusively." For viewers in the Avalanche's market, the game at Ball Arena "will only be broadcast on team-owned Altitude TV, which is not available to Comcast and Dish Network subscribers." Altitude Exec VP & GM Ken Miller said that the game "will be available on NBCSN outside the Avalanche's market but blacked out locally." Chambers noted it "will be produced by Altitude with NBC commentators using Altitude's feed" (DENVER POST, 1/12).
NEW DIGS: In Boston, Jon Chesto noted a revamped studio for pre- and postgame shows at NESN's HQ in Watertown, Mass., was "built in time for the new season." The cable sports station "took advantage of the extended downtime between the end of the Red Sox season and the start of Bruins games by accelerating plans to renovate its Studio A for the start of hockey season on Thursday." It is by far the "biggest set of changes to the studio since NESN moved there from Fenway Park in 2006." Viewers will notice a "much more modern look in the 2,500-square-foot Studio A, with six LED screens, and lit borders that can change color depending on the season" (BOSTON GLOBE, 1/11).
PICKING UP A SHIFT: Coyotes President & CEO Xavier Gutierrez announced that Dir of External Engagement, Youth & Women's Hockey Lyndsey Fry also will serve as radio color analyst for the club this season. Fry joins play-by-play announcer Bob Heethuis in the booth for all Coyotes games. This makes Fry only the third woman (Sherry Ross -- Devils; Caley Chelios -- Lightning) to serve in this role for an NHL team (Coyotes).
