Hockey Night in Canada
CBC Television has aired National Hockey League (NHL) broadcasts under the Hockey Night in Canada (often abbreviated Hockey Night or HNiC) brand that is primarily associated with its Saturday night NHL broadcasts throughout its history in various platforms.
Hockey Night in Canada | |
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The current logo, used since 1998 | |
Also known as | Hockey Night in Canada presented by Rogers Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet Hockey Night in Canada on CBC Molson Hockey Night in Canada on CBC (1988–1998) |
Presented by |
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Starring |
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Theme music composer | John Herberman (since 2014) |
Opening theme | "The Hockey Theme" (1968–2008) "Canadian Gold" (2008–present) |
Country of origin | Canada |
Original language | English |
Production | |
Production locations | Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Toronto (until 2021) Rogers Building, Toronto (since 2021) |
Camera setup | multi-camera |
Running time | >6 hours |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network |
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Release | November 12, 1931 – May 16, 1976 |
Network |
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Release | October 11, 1952 – present |
Related | |
NHL on Sportsnet NHL on ABC (U.S. over-the-air broadcaster) |
Saturday NHL broadcasts began in 1931 on the CNR Radio network, and debuted on television in 1952. Initially games were aired once a week, but doubleheader games had debuted in 1995 at 7:30 pm and 10:30 pm (ET) start times. Since 1998, the games begin at 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm (ET). The broadcast features various segments during the intermissions and between games, as well as pre- and post-game coverage of the night's games, and player interviews. It also shows the hosts' opinions on news and issues occurring in the league.
The Hockey Night in Canada brand is owned by the CBC and was exclusively used by CBC Sports through the end of the 2013–14 NHL season. Beginning in the 2014–15 season, the brand is being licensed to Rogers Communications for Sportsnet-produced Saturday NHL broadcasts airing on CBC Television as well as the Rogers-owned Citytv and Sportsnet networks. Rogers had secured exclusive national multimedia rights to NHL games beginning in 2014–15, and sublicensed Saturday night and playoff games to the CBC. This sub-license agreement runs through the end of the Rogers deal with the NHL.