Saturday Night Hockey debuts on Sportsnet

A new era in Canadian NHL broadcasting began Saturday night on Sportsnet with the launch of "Saturday Night Hockey," replacing the longrunning "Hockey Night in Canada" package on Canadian television. The first broadcast featured longtime host Ron MacLean along with panelists Kevin Bieksa, Elliotte Friedman and newcomer Colby Armstrong. The program opened with highlights, vintage clips and a new logo, while rinkside host Kyle Bukauskas introduced the show during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ home game against the Ottawa Senators. The change follows the end of the sublicensing agreement between Rogers Communications and CBC. Sportsnet now holds the NHL’s Canadian rights under a new 12year deal, and the broadcaster said the Saturday package will include an NHL doubleheader each week with at least one Canadian team in every matchup. The article also notes other shifts this season, including more national coverage on Sportsnet, exclusive Monday night streaming on Sportsnet+, and CBC’s planned broadcasts of PWHL games.