SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League and Sportsnet announced today the addition of six AHL games to the network’s broadcast schedule, as Sportsnet solidifies itself as the Canadian destination for live hockey coverage this December:
Saturday, Dec. 15 – Texas Stars at Abbotsford Heat
10 ET/7 PT (Sportsnet West and Pacific regions, Sportsnet ONE)
The Western Conference-leading Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames affiliate) host the Texas Stars (Dallas Stars), live from the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre. Hockey Central host Daren Millard is joined by former AHL All-Star defenseman P.K. Subban and analyst John Shannon to provide pre-game and intermission analysis, while play-by-play man Rob Kerr joins analyst Charlie Simmer in the broadcast booth, with John Garrett reporting from between the benches. Roger Millions rounds out the broadcast team as host.
Friday, Dec. 21 – St. John’s IceCaps at Hamilton Bulldogs
7:30 ET/4:30 PT (Sportsnet, all regions)
Sportsnet kicks off the weekend with a Canadian showdown, as the Atlantic Division’s St. John’s IceCaps (Winnipeg Jets) pay a visit to the North Division’s Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens). The Hockey Central panel of host Jeff Marek and analysts John Shannon and Nick Kypreos break down the game with pre-game and intermission analysis. RJ Broadhead calls the play-by-play alongside analyst Sam Cosentino and host Rob Faulds.
Saturday, Dec. 22 – San Antonio Rampage at Hamilton Bulldogs
7 ET/4 ET (Sportsnet, all regions)
It’s a Western Conference showdown when the San Antonio Rampage (Florida Panthers) head north to take on the Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens). Hockey Central’s Jeff Marek and John Shannon break down the game in pre-game and intermission analysis, while the broadcast team of RJ Broadhead, Sam Cosentino and Rob Faulds return to call the action live from Hamilton.
Wednesday, Dec. 26 – Hamilton Bulldogs at Toronto Marlies
1 ET/10 a.m. PT (Sportsnet ONE)
It’s a Boxing Day battle in Southwestern Ontario when the Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens) visit the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs) at the Air Canada Centre. Joe Bowen and Greg Millen provide play-by-play and analysis, respectively, while host Paul Hendrick provides intermission analysis alongside Jim Ralph and Dan Dunleavy.
Friday, Dec. 28 – St. John’s IceCaps at Hamilton Bulldogs
7:30 ET/4:30 PT (Sportsnet, all regions)
The Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal Canadiens) have home-ice advantage as the St. John’s IceCaps (Winnipeg Jets) visit Copps Coliseum once again. The Hockey Central panel of Daren Millard, Nick Kypreos and John Shannon provide pre-game and intermission analysis. From Hamilton, Kevin Quinn calls the play-by-play alongside analyst Louie DeBrusk and host Rob Faulds.
Saturday, Dec. 29 – Abbotsford Heat at Chicago Wolves
8 ET/5 PT (Sportsnet ONE)
The Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames) look to bring their fire to the Windy City when they take on the Chicago Wolves (Vancouver Canucks). Hockey Central host Dan Murphy and analysts John Garrett and Garry Valk provide pre-game and intermission analysis, while Jason Shaver and Billy Gardner bring home the call from Allstate Arena.
In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League continues to serve as the top development league for the players, coaches, managers, executives and broadcasters of all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 88 percent of NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the 11th year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2011-12. Through the years, the AHL has been home to more than 100 future members of the Hockey Hall of Fame, including legends such as Johnny Bower, Andy Bathgate, Gerry Cheevers, Larry Robinson, Patrick Roy and Brett Hull.
