Sportsnet 650's demise reminds us that lack of competition is bad for Canadians - The Province

TORONTO – A new era in Canadian NHL broadcasting kicked off Saturday night on Sportsnet with a new show title, a splashy introduction, and the familiar presence of longtime host Ron MacLean. The NHL version of “Hockey Night in Canada” is out after nearly 75 years on television. Its replacement – “Saturday Night Hockey” – has arrived in its place after Rogers Communications and the CBC did not renew their sublicensing agreement. The first Saturday of the NHL season felt much like previous broadcasts in the marquee time-slot. The show began with a montage of highlights, vintage clips and fan shots. The Backstreet Boys’ 1997 hit “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” provided the soundtrack. MacLean and panellists Kevin Bieksa, Elliotte Friedman and newcomer Colby Armstrong discussed the matchups before rinkside host Kyle Bukauskas touched on the evening’s transition ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ home game against the Ottawa Senators. Story continues below advertisement