Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN launching RedZone-like program for NHL

By Jason Clinkscales | Last updated 10/4/23

For one night only, ESPN wants NHL fans to see every goal in the same way that NFL fans have become accustomed to seeing every touchdown on Sundays.

The network will launch its own version of NFL RedZone for the NHL, calling it "Frozen Frenzy." Longtime SportsCenter anchor and NHL studio host John Buccigross will host the event along with analyst Kevin Weekes on Oct. 24th.

All 32 teams in the league will play that night, providing viewers a chance to keep up with teams and players they normally don't see on a nightly basis.

ESPN+ from 7-8 and then ESPN2 the rest of the night. Me and @KevinWeekes. Only two of the 16 games start at the same time. https://t.co/MsA5Y8cHvX
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) October 4, 2023

Though this will be a fun night for the fans, there are also unquestionable benefits for both the league and the network. The NHL rarely has days where every team is in action all at once, with the last taking place on April 8, 2023.

This would be an early season version of what the Premier League annually does on Boxing Day. In its third season with broadcast rights in the current deal with the league, ESPN has received mixed reviews for its NHL coverage. Perhaps for one evening, this can get the fans back on its side.

ESPN coordinating producer Linda Schultz told NHL.com:

“I’m sure everyone is familiar with (NFL) Red Zone. This is our version of that,” Schultz said. “We worked all summer long to figure this out with our programming team and with the League. All 32 teams will play that night. … You will see every goal. You will see every power play. You will see every hit.”

If there was a league that could mimic the NFL RedZone to better engage its fans, it's the NHL.

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