On the Ice
While no deal has been announced, it appears Time Warner Cable has signed on to carry NHL Network (Cfax, 10/1). The channel was up and running on the MSO’s digital sports package in NY Tues (channel 458). Meanwhile, the NHL announced Tues that it has renewed its deal with cable via In Demand, DirecTV and EchoStar for the NHL Center Ice out-of- market game package. New this year is a mosaic for subs that will rotate live action telecasts for every hockey game playing concurrently through a 4-part screen (as with NBA League Pass). For the 1st time, In Demand affils will have the option of making the League’s broadband content from NHL Center Ice Online available at no charge to subs who take the package. A free preview of Center Ice begins immediately and runs through Tues. Early bird/auto renewal is $149. After Oct 9, the suggested retail price is $169 for the full season, $119 for the half season. Playoff package is $59.