Stanley Cup Countdown preview show tonight at 8 p.m. local (8:30 p.m. NT) launches comprehensive multi-platform coverage
The 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs are here and CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA is ramping up the excitement -carrying it nationally and punctuated by exclusive coverage of the Canadian teams and the 2012 Stanley Cup Final.
CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada keeps fans connected to the action and insights of the playoffs no matter where they are through innovative social media applications. Hockey Night Playoff Pulse, the ultimate “second screen” experience features in-game pools, polls and plays. Whether fans are at home, work or out on the town, the Hockey Night Playoff Pulse keeps them connected with updated live pool leader boards showing top scores and rankings and daily playoff poll questions designed to keep the conversation going. In addition, a Microsoft-sponsored near-live three minute highlight package from each game will be available online and on mobile devices including tablets with game recaps going to Xbox.
Fans not already watching a live game stream on their iPhone or iPad can gain access to near-live highlights as they happen simply by downloading/updating the Hockey Night in Canada app. Watch highlights of every goal scored in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs minutes after they happen.
“As a dedicated partner of the NHL we are proud of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada’s long standing tradition of providing Canadians with the most comprehensive Stanley Cup coverage available,” said Julie Bristow, CBC’s Executive Director of Studio and Unscripted Programming. “We are focused on continuing to elevate and innovate the way hockey fans everywhere view and participate in the playoff experience across all mediums.”
New in 2012, CBC’s HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA highlights the fun, social and lighter side of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs through Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/hockeynight/). Fans are encouraged to pin their favourite playoff party dishes and recipes, locations to watch games with friends, celebrity sightings or even best playoff outfits and painted faces.
In addition, fans can engage with CBC Sports and other Playoff loving fans through Facebook and Twitter by “liking” CBC Sports at facebook.com/cbcsports and following CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA Twitter feed (@hockeynight) to get all the breaking news as it happens throughout the playoffs - hashtag #HNIC. Fans are also encouraged to link their playoff parties to those going on across the country by sharing photos and Tweets, with the best ones being shared through the @hockeynight account and other CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA channels.
“CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada continues to offer everyone from the most passionate hockey fans to casual viewers numerous different ways to engage with the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” said John Collins, NHL Chief Operating Officer.
In addition to the new social media tools connecting fanatic and casual hockey fans to the playoff experience, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, via http://cbc.ca/hockeynightincanada, provides full access game and broadcast schedules, expert analysis and blogs and all the traditional show content enjoyed throughout the years.
From Coach’s Corner and Hotstove to the pregame Hockey Night in Canada Online from the Chevrolet I-Desk and postgame Daily Wrap presented by Chevrolet, CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada has fans covered with the news and insights they need when and where they need it. All shows are also available as podcasts from the iTunes Store.
In addition to television and online coverage, Hockey Night in Canada Radio on SiriusXM with host Gord Stellick offers comprehensive coverage of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Channel 157 airing Monday through Friday from 3-7 p.m. ET throughout the playoffs. Hockey Night in Canada Radio on SiriusXM podcasts are also available for download from the iTunes Store.
CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA playoff coverage begins tonight with Stanley Cup Countdown at 8 p.m. local, (8:30 p.m. NT), in front of a live studio audience. Two different editions of the show will be produced, to provide the most pertinent series advancers for hockey fans in the east and west. Host Ron MacLean and analysts P.J. Stock and Kelly Hrudey break down all eight first-round series and analyze the chances of the 16 teams vying for the Stanley Cup. Elliotte Friedman will have up to the minute news from around the league, and Juno-nominated band Cuff The Duke will rock the house with a live performance.
Looking ahead, fans can help celebrate CBC’s HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA legacy by selecting their top moments of all time (http://ithappenedonhockeynight.cbc.ca). Viewers can go online to submit their Top 10 moments, share their list via Facebook and Twitter and compare it against those of several celebrities. Between the second and third rounds of the playoffs, CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA will present It Happened on Hockey Night - a 30 minute interactive television special counting down the best moments as seen on CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA over the past 60 years.
The 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs go mobile and CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada has you covered and keeps you connected.
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada celebrated 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada.
For further information, contact:
James Lamont
Lamont@veritascanada.com
Veritas Communications
Toronto 416-482-2617
(Mobile) 416-859-5870
