HDNet Hits the Ice with NHL

HDNet Monday released the first two months of its National Hockey League schedule.

The network said its 52-game “NHL on HDNet” slate begins on the league’s opening night Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. (EST), when the Phoenix Coyotes take on the Vancouver Canucks. The game will mark NHL great Wayne Gretzky’s coaching debut for the Coyotes.

HDNet added that its NHL game broadcasts are shot exclusively for presentation in the 1080i (interlaced) HD format.

“More and more viewers are discovering that hockey in HDTV is an incredible television experience,” NHL senior vice president of television and new media Doug Perlman said in a prepared statement. “The league's new rules and compelling story lines promise to make the NHL on HDNet can’t-miss programming for hockey fans.”