145 thoughts on “NHL broadcast schedule 2014-15: Who owns rights to what games”

1. Randy August 18, 2014 at 5:57 pm

   So… What does this mean for a Habs fan in Toronto

   Do we have access to rds broadcasts ?

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 6:16 pm

      What does this mean for a Habs fan in Toronto. Do we have access to rds broadcasts ?

      No. RDS will be blacked out in Toronto and western Canada during Canadiens games.

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2. Randy August 18, 2014 at 5:59 pm

   Still not clear if those living in Ontario have access or can still order and see all Habs games in French

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 6:24 pm

      Still not clear if those living in Ontario have access or can still order and see all Habs games in French

      If you live in eastern Ontario (Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall) then you will have access to all Canadiens games on either RDS or TVA Sports. If you live in Toronto, southwestern Ontario or northern Ontario, you’ll only be able to see the games on TVA Sports (the season opener, Saturday night games and the playoffs).

      If you live in the area between Peterborough and Ottawa (Petawawa, Belleville), then it depends. The Canadiens region is the same as the region of the Senators, Sportsnet East and the former TSN Habs channel. If you had access to those, then you should be able to watch Canadiens games on RDS. Otherwise, it’ll be blacked out.

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      1. Steve W August 18, 2014 at 6:48 pm

         Couldn’t they subscribe to NHL Centre Ice, & get all Canadiens hockey games(they would have to pay for it however)?

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         1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 9:42 pm

            Couldn’t they subscribe to NHL Centre Ice, & get all Canadiens hockey games(they would have to pay for it however)?

            People outside the Canadiens region can subscribe to NHL Centre Ice and get all games that aren’t broadcast nationally (i.e. 50 regular-season games). Assuming Rogers doesn’t pull a rabbit out of its hat and come up with a different solution.

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            1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 1:09 am

               I’m in Vancouver, and have been advised by Telus, my provider, that ‘likely’ Montreal Canadiens’ games will majoratively be blacked-out on both TVA and NHL’s Centre Ice.

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               1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 1:10 am

                  I received similar from Shaw, the alternative cable provider in BC.

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               2. Fagstein Post authorAugust 20, 2014 at 2:07 am

                  I’m in Vancouver, and have been advised by Telus, my provider, that ‘likely’ Montreal Canadiens’ games will majoratively be blacked-out on both TVA and NHL’s Centre Ice.

                  TVA Sports has national rights to Canadiens NHL games. None of the 22 regular-season Habs games it will broadcast will be blacked out. RDS’s, however, will be.

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                  1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 2:24 am

                     Thanks Steve, I hope you are right. Neither Telus nor Shaw knows this yet out here.

                     Still a very small consolation (if you are right) of only 32 of a 82 game schedule.
         2. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 3:53 am

            I don’t know what NHL’s Centre Ice would cost in Toronto, but here in Vancouver it is quoted around $ 199 per year by Telus (my provider) and Shaw (the alternative provider).

            Telus and Shaw are both telling me up-front there may be NHL imposed black-outs for both TVA’s 32 games and those Habs games shown on Centre Ice.

            Last year, RDS cost myself (via Telus) $ 5/month for the French language package, which included RDS’ full 82 games. TVA (last year) was not part of the French language package.

            82 games on RDS for $ 5., l’AntiChambre, 24CH, etc..

            I asked this week both Telus and Shaw if I purchased TVA and/or Centre Ice will I be certain whether any of TVA’s 32 games will be blacked-out ? Will any of the Montreal Canadiens’ games via Centre Ice be subject to black-outs ?

            Both responded that according to their information provided so far it indicates more than a few will be blacked-out because of the NHL’s black-out rules.

            We will find out with more certainty the closer we get to October. But if I was anyone thinking of subscribing to TVA or Centre Ice, I would ask them to guarantee or spell-out exactly what Canadiens games will be assured to be broadcasted in their city before putting out any money to subscribe.

            I have a feeling the NHL’s shenanigans will encourage most fans to illegally find sources to ‘stream’ online all 82 Montreal Canadiens’ games rather than put-up with the bastardized, convoluted and cost exorbitant access on Centre Ice and TVA west of Quebec.

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            1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 20, 2014 at 10:29 am

               Telus and Shaw are both telling me up-front there may be NHL imposed black-outs for both TVA’s 32 games and those Habs games shown on Centre Ice.

               TVA has 22 games. It’s Rogers that has 32 in English. And because those games are broadcast nationally, they would be blacked out on NHL Centre Ice.

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               1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 3:03 pm

                  Thank you Steve, it was a late night brain cramp. :)

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            2. beaverislandguy August 27, 2014 at 4:09 pm

               I hear you. I am in the same boat. I live here on the Westcoast, a big Hab fan all my life, and had RDS for years. I get a kick out of pre season, so those games are important to me as well. I will wait for the dust to settle and these cable companies to resolve some issues and ignorance …

               Hope they can figure it out or, i will just pirate a stream….

               Yah can’t make me a Canuck, Jet, or Leaf lover – just because its on the idiot box. Even in the days of today, I have better things to do.

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3. George Fedorak August 18, 2014 at 7:08 pm

   Will Canadiens’ games be blacked out on the Centre Ice package?

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 9:43 pm

      Will Canadiens’ games be blacked out on the Centre Ice package?

      The 32 national games will be (mainly those on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights), as will all playoff games.

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4. randy August 18, 2014 at 7:31 pm

   Will nhl on ice package provide access to those games otherwise blocked out in Toronto?
   Thanks!

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 9:44 pm

      Will nhl on ice package provide access to those games otherwise blocked out in Toronto? Thanks!

      Yes, though there are 10 games that are regional in French and national in English, so those won’t be available on NHL Centre Ice. They will be on City or one of the Sportsnet channels though.

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5. Gogi August 18, 2014 at 7:35 pm

   I find it quite comical how there are more Leafs games nationally in French. Hahahaha

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 9:45 pm

      I find it quite comical how there are more Leafs games nationally in French. Hahahaha

      There are more Leafs games nationally in both languages.

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      1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 1:19 am

         Of TVA’s 220 or so what I believe are supposed to be ‘nationally’ allotted broadcasted games, 33 are Boston Bruins’ games, 25+ are Toronto Maple Leafs’ games, and a grand total of 22 Habs’ games.

         Correct me if I am wrong.

         If correct, that is truly an insult to all Habs’ fans, especially Francophone Habs’ fans across Canada.

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         1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 20, 2014 at 2:08 am

            Of TVA’s 220 or so what I believe are supposed to be ‘nationally’ allotted broadcasted games, 33 are Boston Bruins’ games, 25+ are Toronto Maple Leafs’ games, and a grand total of 22 Habs’ games.

            That’s correct. TVA has the rights to all the games that have been designated as national in French.

            If correct, that is truly an insult to all Habs’ fans, especially Francophone Habs’ fans across Canada.

            Blame the NHL, I guess. If TVA had the power, it would air all 82 games nationally.

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            1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 2:27 am

               As I note in another comment, the NHL’s own corporate black-out rule is the biggest part of the problem.

               The NHL’s black-out rules are currently being tested in New York State court for uncompetitive practices and not in the best interest of consumers.

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         2. Gordon October 3, 2014 at 12:16 am

            I am an Anglophone proud of Bilingualism and enjoyed Canadiens on RDS

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6. Randy Hansen August 18, 2014 at 7:35 pm

   I have paid for and received every single Habs game for over 15 years while living here in southern Ontario and now I’m having the clock reversed to 20 years ago when Montreal only existed on Radio-Canada. I am paying more and receiving less programming in return. I am NOT happy and the NHL and Rogers really couldn’t care less for my business. Why not grandfather in existing long term subscribers of RDS as exempt from the blackouts??

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 9:47 pm

      I am NOT happy and the NHL and Rogers really couldn’t care less for my business. Why not grandfather in existing long term subscribers of RDS as exempt from the blackouts??

      It’s not Rogers’s fault. This is the reality of region-based sports TV broadcast rights. Grandfathering wouldn’t work, since RDS simply does not have the right to broadcast Canadiens games outside of its region.

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   2. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 1:29 am

      There is currently an on-line petition named The Rogers NHL Habs Petition documenting the wrath of Habs’ fans across Canada protesting the bastardized and insulting reduction in access to the Montreal Canadiens across Canada, and the NHL’s own corporate national black-out rules that are now blacking-out French language broadcasts across Canada, and ham-stringing Rogers (Sportsnet), TVA and Bell (RDS/TSN) from creating value-added cable products, restricting cable-choice, raising costs and decreasing access against the best-interests of hockey (Habs) fans. You can read it and sign here if you agree with it: http://bit.ly/1nLUkSk

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7. David August 18, 2014 at 8:12 pm

   What channel are the Saturday night Habs games going to be on? Will I be able to see them if I have Videotron?

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 9:49 pm

      What channel are the Saturday night Habs games going to be on?

      TVA Sports in French. In English, they’ll be on CBC, City or Sportsnet depending on the week.

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8. John H August 18, 2014 at 8:59 pm

   Thanks for the post, but terrible news after watching the habs on RDS from Thunder Bay for years.

   My questions

   1) who broadcasts montreal canadiens games on centre ice? I doubt it would be RDS, will have some shlock play by play guy that has to explain what an office or ice is.

   2) Does Game Centre Live mean we could watch games on RDS?

   Hope you can help.

   Disappointed for sure, I wish I had my own bucket to dump on Gary Betmans head and it wouldnt be full of water either.

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 9:50 pm

      1) who broadcasts montreal canadiens games on centre ice? I doubt it would be RDS, will have some shlock play by play guy that has to explain what an office or ice is.

      That’s a good question. I suspect it will be RDS, since there’s no English regional broadcaster.

      2) Does Game Centre Live mean we could watch games on RDS?

      Possibly.

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      1. Anonymous August 24, 2014 at 6:39 pm

         You see, thats my fear. I disagree – I doubt it will be RDS. It will undoubtedly be the crappy broadcast from the team the Habs are playing. Have you ever watched some of the broadcasters south of the border? H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E Reality is – people would probably go crazy if the game was broadcast in french, so they give us watered down drivel instead. Get ready for more explanations of what an icing is, what an offside is. BRUTAL broadcasting.

         Thats what hurts the most about this. I don’t think I’m going to be able to watch the Habs on RDS any longer, or at least until 2026. I will be retired by then.

         My only unanswered question is about GameCentre Live. Do they allow you to pick RDS to watch a Habs game? I called Rogers last week, no one had any idea what GameCentre was. STU-pid.

         I can’t believe someone hasn’t picked this up as a BIG story. Lots of questions, still no definitive answers.

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   2. Josh August 19, 2014 at 1:45 pm

      Unless Centre Ice goes in a different direction, I suspect they will use the feed from whoever the Habs’ opponents are. I have subscribed for several years now, and I’ve never seen a French-language broadcast used for CI. I think they’d likely only opt for French if no English-language telecast was available, and that literally almost never happens nowadays.

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9. UziMTL August 18, 2014 at 8:59 pm

   What!? No RDS available in Toronto??????

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   1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 9:50 pm

      What!? No RDS available in Toronto??????

      Not during its 60 Habs games.

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10. Lorne August 18, 2014 at 10:52 pm

    We got more games in English of the Canadiens with the old agreement with CBC and TSN, even without TSN-Habs.

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11. mario August 18, 2014 at 10:59 pm

    Is it just me who finds it ridiculous that the Senators are able to get English and French regional TV coverage and the Canadiens aren’t?

    I am curious to know how much RDS paid for the Senators French tv rights and what the Canadiens were asking for their English regional rights.

    For Bell it doesn’t really matter to them. They’ll still buy ad puts on any network broadcasting hockey games.

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    1. Rob August 19, 2014 at 1:17 pm

       I couldn’t agree more. The Montreal Canadiens are hurting their brand by not televising their 50 regional games in English. You would think with TSN being a minority owner of the Canadiens they would be able to work out a deal with Canadiens management. Regional restrictions will force more fans outside the Habs region to get Centre Ice and they should be able to watch a HABS produced broadcast focusing on Canadiens news, stories and players in order to continue building up their brand. The Ottawa Senators have done that in both languages by securing 82 games being telecast in English and 76 in French. Why can’t the Habs have a similar set up?

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       1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 1:49 am

          Geoff Molson and Kevin Gilmore acquiescing to the NHL’s national black-out rules will im-time result in the Montreal Canadiens losing a significant percentage of their fan-base west of central Ontario if a remedy to this broadcasting farce is not resolved.

          Many fans will find the $ 200 cost of Centre Ice too expensive and restrictive (because of blacked-out Habs games on CI, itself) that they will in-time gravitate to local teams more accessible and cost-effective.

          The Montreal Canadiens are currently the most respected sports’ brand across Canada. It also is the largest most diverse hockey club fan-base in Canada.

          Why the Montreal Canadiens are acceding to the NHL national black-out rules so timidly is an affront to Francophones spread across Canada west of Quebec, and it’s English-speaking fan base in western Canada that were following their Habs on French-language RDS previously.

          The Habs are shooting their-selves in their fan-base.

          I personally think soon this may be an issue that Shelley Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages and Marie-France Kenny, Présidente de Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada will not ignore.

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          1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 20, 2014 at 2:10 am

             Many fans will find the $ 200 cost of Centre Ice too expensive and restrictive (because of blacked-out Habs games on CI, itself) that they will in-time gravitate to local teams more accessible and cost-effective.

             This is kind of the point of blackouts in the first place, to protect each team’s home market.

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             1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 2:38 am

                In the States you could make some weak arguments on that basis, though I think the markets in the US have matured and can mostly stand on their own without such broadcast restrictions.

                Here, in Canada, there is only one market that such black-out restrictions may have any kind of relevance is the Ottawa Senators, which has been surviving (if but barely) because they are stuck between Toronto and Montreal geographically, and their fan-base is divided practically 3-ways, between Habs fans, Leafs fans and their own fans.

                No black-out rule will ever make their proximity to Montreal and Toronto disapear.

                The NHL black-out rule is mis-used, unnecessary and a red-herring in Canada preventing cable products to be created that hockey fans demand and will exorbitantly cost-out tens of thousands of fans that will not afford the half-baked ‘premium’ cable products the NHL is trying to foist on us.

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             2. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 2:49 am

                In the States the NHL could make some weak arguments on that basis, though I think the markets in the US have matured and can mostly stand on their own without such broadcast restrictions.

                Here, in Canada, there is only one market that such black-out restrictions may have any kind of relevance is the Ottawa Senators, which has been surviving (if but barely) because they are stuck between Toronto and Montreal geographically, and their fan-base is divided practically 3-ways, between Habs fans, Leafs fans and their own fans.

                No black-out rule will ever make their proximity to Montreal and Toronto disapear.

                The NHL black-out rule is mis-used, unnecessary and a red-herring in Canada preventing cable products to be created that hockey fans demand and will exorbitantly cost-out tens of thousands of fans that will not afford the half-baked ‘premium’ cable products the NHL is trying to foist on us.

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             3. Josh August 26, 2014 at 7:23 pm

                Not to mention that fans of other teams have had to live with this arrangement for forever now. Cry me a river, Habs fans.

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                1. Christopher van Dyke August 28, 2014 at 1:04 am

                   There currently is a class-action in New York State court, trial beginning February 2014, vs the NHL’s national black-out rules in the United States, –arguing the NHL’s black-out rule violate American anti-competition legislation, –preventing choice and value-added cable products for consumers –unfairly and unnecessarily forcing long-range hockey fans to purchase expensive products such as the NHL’s Centre Ice at premium costs.

                   There very well could be a similar class-action on behalf of Canadian hockey fans/consumers in the near future, as well, in Canada, vs the NHL’s national black-out rules.

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12. Beaverislandguy August 18, 2014 at 11:02 pm

    Ok, I live on the westcoast. I only watch Canadien games. How am I able to continue to do so? NHL Gamecentre claimed that I could view the Habs games when I signed up. This was not the case during the season, where other games we were able to view (usually two American teams) but not the Habs on that Sunday afternoon . I soon cancelled my subscription (which was quite a feat in itself) RDS was my mainstay. Will there be a RDS National view of Canadiens Express? Do I have to seek out a pirated stream of the Hab games? Please set me straight…

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 18, 2014 at 11:23 pm

       Ok, I live on the westcoast. I only watch Canadien games. How am I able to continue to do so?

       You’ll need CBC, City and the Sportsnet channels, plus NHL Centre Ice or NHL GameCentre Live.

       Will there be a RDS National view of Canadiens Express?

       I’m not sure if Canadiens Express will be blacked out under the same rules. I suspect it probably will.

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13. Hunter August 19, 2014 at 1:07 am

    Will any of this affect Habs fans in the US who subscribe to NHL Center ice. Please tell me I will be able to watch all 82 games.

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 19, 2014 at 1:17 am

       Will any of this affect Habs fans in the US who subscribe to NHL Center ice.

       The Canadian rights don’t change anything for Americans. You’ll be able to watch all games on NHL Center Ice, except for the 11 that will air on NHL Network and the two that will be on NBC Sports Network.

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    2. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 2:03 am

       A point of interest to American based Habs fans subscribing or thinking of subscribing to the NHL’s Centre Ice product; http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=459001

       Rick Westhead, TSN Senior Correspondent: “The National Hockey League has lost a court motion to dismiss a case filed by six fans who allege that its restrictions on local TV broadcasts are anti-competitive.

       The case is expected to proceed to trial early in 2015. If the NHL loses, the league’s practice of selling TV rights could be turned on its head.

       Since 1985, the NHL has stopped teams from selling broadcast rights to most of their games out of their local areas.

       If this latest litigation is successful, it’s possible that popular teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks could begin selling their broadcast rights throughout the United States.

       In a lawsuit filed in New York two years ago, a group of disgruntled fans claimed that the restrictions on broadcasting were inappropriately driving up the price of sports cable television packages… “, etc.

       There is speculation here in Canada, that similar legal proceedings may have legs here too.

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14. chris August 19, 2014 at 9:47 am

    Will I still be able to get all Habs game from NHL center ice while living in Japan?

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 19, 2014 at 11:04 am

       Will I still be able to get all Habs game from NHL center ice while living in Japan?

       If you did before, I don’t see why you wouldn’t again.

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15. BLAIR DAGGETT August 19, 2014 at 10:16 am

    anybody who doesn’t believe this is simply another chapter in the corporate war between Rogers and BELL is, well, wrong.

    ROGERS owns the networks with the most NHL(SPORTSNET). Except in Quebec. The Canadiens are partially owned by BELL. they play at the BELL Centre. The network that did the TV broadcasts (RDS) was owned by, you guessed it, BELL. the one English network that carried the HABS (TSN), likewise, was owned by BELL. Now the league has allowed ROGERS +SPORTSNET to dominate and own the NHL rights, and are screwing BELL. anybody surprised?

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 19, 2014 at 11:08 am

       anybody who doesn’t believe this is simply another chapter in the corporate war between Rogers and BELL is, well, wrong.

       I believe another word for this is “competition.”

       But for the Canadiens, the issue isn’t competition between Rogers and Bell, it’s competition between Quebecor and Bell. RDS got to air 82 Canadiens games nationally because it had both the national and regional rights and was the only French-language sports channel. Now that TVA Sports is here the two compete with each other. And that has resulted in the rights being split, and the regional games being blacked out outside the region.

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       1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 2:16 am

          It’s complex in several ways, including what you say of TVA and Bell. But there is also the NHL more forcefully imposing it’s corporate national black-out rule in Canada as of 2014-2015. Significantly towards the French-language broadcasts (RDS’) which received an exception to the NHL rule previously.

          This includes the Montreal Canadiens’ own acquiescing to the NHL’s black-out rule, per La Presse, January 14th column of Vincent Brousseau-Pouliot: http://bit.ly/1pdEtkx

          Quote: Kevin Gilmore, executive vice president of the Canadiens; “It’s unfortunate, but we must respect the rights of each regional team. Such an application would open a Pandora’s box: all teams could make the same request to expand their regional rights. Our previous contract with RDS was a joint venture with the NHL, which allowed RDS to obtain this exemption. “

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16. CD August 19, 2014 at 10:35 am

    So if I get Toronto cable feeds, that means that I will see 32 Habs games? That’s a heck of a lot better than last year when I only saw them when they played on HNIC = Toronto Maple Leafs Night in Toronto.

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17. mario August 19, 2014 at 12:03 pm

    In prior years RDS had both national and regional rights to NHL and Habs games. So why were they able to broadcast all 82 Habs games nationally without any blackouts?

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    1. Christopher van Dyke August 20, 2014 at 2:19 am

       Kevin Gilmore, executive vice president of the Canadiens; “Our previous contract with RDS was a joint venture with the NHL, which allowed RDS to obtain this exemption. “

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18. Al Hiller August 19, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    I got the h?abs last year on TSN habs and RDS.I was wondering if I would get anything in English this year?/Would I ger the habs on nhl centre ice or will they be blocked out on nhl centre ice.I live in atlantic Canada

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 19, 2014 at 4:20 pm

       I got the habs last year on TSN habs and RDS.I was wondering if I would get anything in English this year?

       You’ll get the 32 national games, and all playoff games, in English. The remaining 50 regular-season games, and any preseason games that air on TV, will only be broadcast regionally on RDS, unless something changes.

       Would I ger the habs on nhl centre ice or will they be blocked out on nhl centre ice.I live in atlantic Canada

       Since you’re in the Canadiens’ broadcast region, there’s no need for NHL Centre Ice.

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       1. Al Hiller August 19, 2014 at 4:42 pm

          Thanks for thr reply.I do live in atlantic Canada.In past years I had nhl centre ice.I could get the habs on nhl centre ice I would get the games in english from the oppositios team.Broadcasters of the opposite teams would be giving the habs games in english.This year I dont think this is available.I know I can get RDS but as for english we just have to wait and see

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19. Nick Russo August 19, 2014 at 3:45 pm

    Interesting to see that TSN has not renewed their regional coverage in the English market http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=338180&hubname=nhl-canadiens

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20. James Tallon August 21, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    Will the 22 Habs’ games on TVA be available on RDS east of Belleville (Kingston) as well?

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 21, 2014 at 3:46 pm

       Will the 22 Habs’ games on TVA be available on RDS east of Belleville (Kingston) as well?

       No. None of the games will be on both French networks. Though RDS plans to have some form of postgame programming on Saturday nights.

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       1. James Tallon August 21, 2014 at 4:28 pm

          Thanks for your prompt reply.
          So I assume this means I have to add TVA Sports to my cable package, correct?
          Does Cogeco even offer TVA Sports?

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          1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 21, 2014 at 5:08 pm

             So I assume this means I have to add TVA Sports to my cable package, correct?

             If you want to watch those Canadiens games in French, yes. All 22 games TVA Sports carries are also broadcast in English on CBC, City or Sportsnet.

             Does Cogeco even offer TVA Sports?

             Yes it does.

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             1. James Tallon August 21, 2014 at 5:59 pm

                Thanks! You have been an excellent resource. It’s nice to finally receive some concrete information about Habs’ games in Ontario.

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21. Jay August 23, 2014 at 8:59 am

    On a sports related note. Do you have any idea why bell appears to have dropped nfl redzone from their lineup ?

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 23, 2014 at 7:59 pm

       Do you have any idea why bell appears to have dropped nfl redzone from their lineup ?

       It’s not just Bell, it’s everyone. The service isn’t being offered in Canada anymore. Not sure why.

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       1. j August 23, 2014 at 8:02 pm

          Rodgers tv appears to have it. Someone at Bell customer service told me they lost the rights of redzone to Rodgers.

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22. Lorne August 26, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    The Canadiens are being greedy about the regional English TV rights and the Anglophone fans in Montreal are getting screwed.

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23. Craig August 26, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    I am a Flames fan living in Montreal….will I have access to the regional Flames games?
    Or will I have to pay for Centre Ice??

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 26, 2014 at 6:19 pm

       I am a Flames fan living in Montreal….will I have access to the regional Flames games?
       Or will I have to pay for Centre Ice??

       No, and yes, respectively. The situation there is unchanged from last year. We may get more details next week from Rogers.

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24. Sid August 27, 2014 at 9:52 am

    I sat and listened to all the changes coming with hockey and one thing will remain the same….I will get the Centre Ice package.
    1) choice
    Im a Bruins…but I do enjoy watching their #1 rivals play….the Habs.
    I dont need the Leafs forced down my throat and the entire circus on Saturday nights.
    2) Quality.CBC tweaked their lineup getting Stropolopogous. Other than that…CBC has people who should have long retired…Cherry and Cole. Scott…should not do interviews.

    3) CBC’s backdrop where Mclean runs the show in Toronto has to be the most depressing broadcast area in all of sports. Nothing screams hockey there. Big room. Big table. Depressing lighting. Dark backdrops. Looks like an episode from CSI.
    Also to watch games of the socalled #1 draw in ratings…the Leafs…and to see how they are pumped up trying to make everyone concerned….yet at the beginning of each period at the ACC fans are more concerned of eating lobster and sipping chamagne then actually sitting to watch full periods of hockey. Lower bowl does not get filled till half way thru the period.

    Sorry….Im keeping my Centre Ice. Its worth every dime.

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25. Al Hiller August 27, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    I know everyone seems to have some information on this.I live in the atlantic region so I will get the habs on RDS,At least I think I will.Also get the other games on TVA sports.My cable company has told me this.I am fine with that.The only big question for me a nd many others that have wrote in here is if we can get the habs on an english channel.Even if NHL Centre Ice would have the habs games I would definetly pay to get Centre ice.Well just sending along some info.Hopefully we will get the habs on Centre ice or another channel.If not it is RDS and TVA.

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 28, 2014 at 1:16 am

       The only big question for me and many others that have wrote in here is if we can get the habs on an english channel.

       Assuming some last-minute deal isn’t reached for Canadiens English-language regional rights, you will get 34 Canadiens games in English – the 32 national games (mainly Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights), and the two regional games in which the Canadiens play the Senators. For the other 48 games, you’ll have to watch them on RDS.

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26. Chad August 29, 2014 at 9:26 am

    So if I live in Toronto, and want to watch all 82 Habs games, I can accomplish this by watching the nationally broadcast games on Sportsnet and City, and the regional Habs games on NHL centre ice, correct? I don’t have to worry about those regional games broadcast over Centre ice being blacked-out, do I? Also, if that is the case, will those regional Centre ice games being broadcast be the RDS feed, or the crappy Fox-Sports English one? Last year, Centre ice used a lot of the TSN habs broadcasts rather than the RDS broadcasts.

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    1. Fagstein Post authorAugust 29, 2014 at 11:21 am

       So if I live in Toronto, and want to watch all 82 Habs games, I can accomplish this by watching the nationally broadcast games on Sportsnet and City, and the regional Habs games on NHL centre ice, correct?

       At this point, yes. But Rogers has hinted at a further announcement next week that could change that.

       will those regional Centre ice games being broadcast be the RDS feed, or the crappy Fox-Sports English one?

       As I understand it, Centre Ice will use an English feed where one is available. So yes, you’ll probably get the American feed if they’re playing a U.S. team, unless a deal comes through for English regional rights (which is also being rumoured).

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27. Bob September 1, 2014 at 9:45 am

    Losing RDS weekday Canadien telecasts in North Eastern Ontario is a real bummer . This is an area where there is a significant amount of French Canadian Hab fans residing ( at least 50% of population )..

    Will RDS feed be on NHL Center Ice Canadian edition ??? No reason in my opinion why it shouldn’t be – do not really care for American hockey broadcasters . NHL CENTER ICE always had the Canadian feed i.e TSN or Rogers Sportsnet when available . This needs to be clarified .

    It should be noted that in past couple of years in North Eastern Ontario , the Ottawa Senators were in the clear on Rogers Sportsnet East but blacked out on sister station TVA Sports – figure that one out . What will happen now that TSN is picking up the weekday Senator games .

    There is no reason why regional coverage of Hab games should not be extended to North Eastern Ontario as is presently the case for Ottawa over to Belleville . . There is already precedence for overlapping regional coverage :
    Saskatchewan – Oilers , Flames and Jets
    Kingston, Belleville , Ont – Leafs , Sens and Habs

    Will be contacting local federal and provincial M.P’s on this matter .

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    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 2, 2014 at 12:27 pm

       Will RDS feed be on NHL Center Ice Canadian edition ?

       I’m guessing probably not. But we might get some details on that tomorrow.

       Will be contacting local federal and provincial M.P’s on this matter .

       I don’t see the government imposing legislation to modify agreements between a sports league and broadcasters.

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28. Robert Ethier September 3, 2014 at 10:03 am

    I live in Niagara I have Bell satellite I have RDS All Sports Net channels and cente Ice package my questions is will I catch all Habs 82 games as I did last year.

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 3, 2014 at 11:53 am

       I live in Niagara I have Bell satellite I have RDS All Sports Net channels and cente Ice package my questions is will I catch all Habs 82 games as I did last year.

       If you have Centre Ice, CBC, City and all the Sportsnet channels, you will have access to all 82 games.

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29. UziMTL September 3, 2014 at 11:30 am

    GREAT NEWS FOR HABS FANS IN TORONTO!!!!!!!!!!

    Just called Bell to cancel as RDS is no longer available in Toronto. They told me not to worry and that to replace RDS they are giving us TSN1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. All in HD. No extra packages needed. No extra cost whatsoever. ALL 82 Games will be avail. on one of those channels.

    Sucks that they’re not in French though :(

    NO GameCentre Live or Centre Ice needed folks.

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    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 3, 2014 at 11:55 am

       ALL 82 Games will be avail. on one of those channels.

       No they won’t. In fact, a grand total of zero Canadiens games will air on TSN.

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30. UziMTL September 3, 2014 at 11:57 am

    I spoke to a supervisor that confirmed and broke down the schedule for me…

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 3, 2014 at 12:38 pm

       I spoke to a supervisor that confirmed and broke down the schedule for me…

       A supervisor at Bell told you that TSN is carrying Canadiens games? I’d be very interested in how that magical schedule breaks down.

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       1. UziMTL September 3, 2014 at 12:41 pm

          61 games spread throughout the TSN channels and the remaining on TVA Sports. He was adament…I was pissed off but he re-assured me that if I’m out of the broadcast region, that this is how it would work out. It’s Bell’s way of compensating for losing RDS in my area. Seemed pretty legit.

          Do you have any hookups at Bell?? Maybe you can clarify for me?

          Thanks

          Reply ↓
          1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 3, 2014 at 12:45 pm

             Unless this Bell manager is aware of some secret deal in which TSN carries games that are broadcast by Rogers, this isn’t true. Regional Canadiens games will be available out-of-region on NHL Centre Ice (TV) and NHL GameCentre Live (mobile/streaming). That’s it.

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             1. UziMTL September 3, 2014 at 12:59 pm

                I just checked my package at bell.ca

                I now have all of the TSN channels that I previously mentioned. Never had them before.

                Either way, I ordered Gamecentre Live for $100 bucks. I’ll just cancel GCL if Bell is true to their word

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31. travisjets September 4, 2014 at 8:37 pm

    hey Im a die hard Jets fan in Calgary. Im with telus and noticed I have all the 5 tsn feeds including tsn3 listed as the channel for jets games. Will I be able to watch ir what options do I have to see all the games?????

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    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 4, 2014 at 9:03 pm

       hey Im a die hard Jets fan in Calgary. Im with telus and noticed I have all the 5 tsn feeds including tsn3 listed as the channel for jets games. Will I be able to watch ir what options do I have to see all the games?????

       No. TSN3 will be blacked out in Calgary during Jets games. If you want to watch all 82 Jets games, you’ll have to get NHL Centre Ice (TV) or NHL GameCentre Live (online streaming). Otherwise you’re limited to the 22 national games and the playoffs.

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32. Solanges September 5, 2014 at 6:19 am

    The Canucks have released their Sportsnet schedule, there will be 8 more national games which makes for 48 regional games.

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 5, 2014 at 1:12 pm

       I’ve updated the post.

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33. Solanges September 8, 2014 at 4:20 am

    For TVA Sports, their original had the possibility of one more Leafs game on Jan. 19 (regional in english). That is to be decided by an online web poll with another game. That schedule has been updated and starting in January, most games on Monday are to be decided like that. The Leafs could be on up to 4 more times, Flames 3 times, Canucks and Oilers twice more, and the Jets once.

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    1. Solanges September 8, 2014 at 4:37 am

       The WGN schedule is now out too. There are 6 games against canadian teams. The Jets are on that channel twice, one of them is a regional Jets game.

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34. Derek September 9, 2014 at 11:40 pm

    I live in Airdrie, Alberta which is just north of Calgary. I have Bell ExpressVu TV. I have every channel they offer and I also purchase the Centre Ice Package for $200 a year. I have been doing this for years. I have a few questions and I was hoping you could answer them for me.
    (1) if Rogers owns and controls the rights to the NHL Centre Ice Package, how do I know if Bell will have any rights on showing any games? I mean, aren’t Bell and Rogers enemies? And if that’s the case, then I assume that the only way to see the Centre Ice Package would be to get Rogers TV, or does Rogers even have TV service like Bell, Telus and Shaw?
    (2) using all the channels that I subscribe to on Bell, and the purchase of the Centre Ice Package, can I still see all of the 7 Canadian Teams play all their games (in English of course)? I want every game. I have no interest in watching the American teams unless they are playing a Canadian team.
    (3) when does all this NHL stuff get sorted out?

    Thanks for your help.

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 10, 2014 at 12:22 am

       (1) if Rogers owns and controls the rights to the NHL Centre Ice Package, how do I know if Bell will have any rights on showing any games?

       There’s been no indication that Rogers is going to restrict its competitors from carrying NHL Centre Ice. And considering how much money is in it, I would be very surprised if Bell didn’t continue to offer it.

       (2) using all the channels that I subscribe to on Bell, and the purchase of the Centre Ice Package, can I still see all of the 7 Canadian Teams play all their games (in English of course)?

       If your package includes CBC, City, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet Oilers, Sportsnet Flames, Sportsnet 360 and NHL Centre Ice, you should be able to access all games by all Canadian teams in English.

       (3) when does all this NHL stuff get sorted out?

       Rogers will continue to make announcements between now and the beginning of the regular season in early October. By then we should have a clear idea what’s going on.

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35. Marie September 21, 2014 at 5:16 pm

    Hello Folks. I’m new here and am very confused as to how I’ll be able to watch the Habs in French. I live in British Columbia and have Shaw Direct (Satellite) as my programming provider. Until now I watched my team on RDS. I called Shaw and they don’t seem to know anything about the black outs or changes with RDS while living out west. Does anyone here have any concrete information pertaining to being able to watch the Habs in French, preferably on RDS, while being out west?
    Thank you in advance. :)

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 21, 2014 at 10:23 pm

       You’ll get no games on RDS directly. RDS will be blacked out during Canadiens games. To get access to those games on your TV, you’ll need to subscribe to NHL Centre Ice. Details on that haven’t been announced yet, but should before the start of the season.

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       1. Marie September 22, 2014 at 2:38 pm

          Thank you for replying.
          Do you think that something is in the works between Shaw and Rogers, as far as Center Ice is concerned? I ask because I’m about to leave my Cell Phone carrier, Telus, in order to have Rogers Cell phone service (which I will need to subscribe to the $60 per month Center Ice deal). I have no choice as far as TV and Internet goes, not able to get Rogers for either.
          Maybe I should hold off on that?

          Reply ↓
          1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 22, 2014 at 3:36 pm

             Do you think that something is in the works between Shaw and Rogers, as far as Center Ice is concerned? I ask because I’m about to leave my Cell Phone carrier, Telus, in order to have Rogers Cell phone service (which I will need to subscribe to the $60 per month Center Ice deal). I have no choice as far as TV and Internet goes, not able to get Rogers for either.
             Maybe I should hold off on that?

             I don’t see what NHL Centre Ice would have to do with your cellphone service. But Centre Ice is offered by most television providers in Canada, so it shouldn’t matter who your provider is.

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36. Marie September 22, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    Shaw Direct told me that they had nothing to do with Rogers and knew nothing about the $60 Habs/Sens deal and Rogers told me that I needed to have with them, an Internet, TV, or cell phone account to be able to subscribe to their $60 Center Ice deal.

    Reply ↓
37. Marie September 22, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    Sorry, I just re read your first comment, it’s Gamecenter Live I’m interested in, not NHL Center Ice. I am referring to the streaming service.

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 22, 2014 at 6:16 pm

       it’s Gamecenter Live I’m interested in, not NHL Center Ice.

       GameCentre Live isn’t a TV service, so you don’t subscribe to it through your TV provider. The only connection between the two is if you want to watch games that are carried on TV in your region, you need to authenticate GameCentre Live with your provider. They’ll probably need a few weeks to work that all out.

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38. Marie September 22, 2014 at 7:07 pm

    I just spoke to Roger’s again. The customer service rep, confirmed that out west, we cannot get the $60 deal, only the $179 deal, regular price for GameCenter Live. So disappointing. If anyone hears anything to the contrary, please post.

    Thanks.

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39. Richard September 23, 2014 at 11:28 am

    Marie, I am you cannot get 60.00 deal out west,I hope I can get it in Northern Ontario

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40. Christopher van Dyke September 24, 2014 at 5:21 am

    Almost 2, 600 Montreal Canadiens fans have already signed the online Rogers NHL Habs Petition.

    Now that you have seen for yourselves the frustration and anger towards the NHL’s national black-out rules, and Rogers’ convoluted dog’s breakfast of access for our Habs west of Quebec, please visit and read the Petition. Sign if you agree with it.

    If things are not changed to our satisfaction by the NHL and Rogers, on behalf of Habs fans, The Petition will be used to make sure Habs’ fans will not take this quietly.

    Read and sign, thank you: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no-habs-blackout-rds

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41. Derek September 24, 2014 at 11:27 am

    For those fans who enjoy watching the Montreal Canadians, as I do from time to time, just get the NHL Center Ice Package and watch the games in English. It’s only $199. Then you get all the games. Problem solved and no petition necessary. Done!

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42. Phil September 24, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    Im in calgary and a habs fan since birth. Its sept 24 th and shaw told me today that all habs games will be televised on centre ice except national broadcasts and preseason. Money back guaranty! We’ll see..

    Reply ↓
43. JF September 24, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    2 questions:

    – Now that gamecenter is own by Rogers on Canada (rogers.com/nhl). Is my login will work with the nhl app on my PS4? They talk about their own new app in the FAQ section..

    – I dont see any info for centre ice on Bell web site.. The page always redirect on a expire promotion page.. Is centre ice still available on Bell Fibe? And how much does it cost?

    I dont want to miss any Flames games.. I’m from Montréal, QC..

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 24, 2014 at 11:05 pm

       Is my login will work with the nhl app on my PS4? They talk about their own new app in the FAQ section..

       I’m not sure.

       I dont see any info for centre ice on Bell web site.. The page always redirect on a expire promotion page.. Is centre ice still available on Bell Fibe? And how much does it cost?

       Bell hasn’t announced pricing for Centre Ice yet. That should come in the coming weeks.

       Reply ↓
44. Derek September 24, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    Hello JF. If I may respond to your question. I live in Airdrie, AB, which is about 5 minutes north of Calgary. I have Bell Express VU as well, but not Bell Fibe. The Centre Ice package on Bell has always been $199 spread out over 4 payments. I have been a subscriber for over 10 years. I also purchase their baseball package for the same price. If you get the package, and everyone who loves good Canadian hockey (no Americans or American Teams allowed please) should get this package, you will essentially see every game from every Canadian Team, and pretty much every NHL game. Although I’m not a big Flames fan, I just finished watching their preseason game against the Arizona Coyotes in Sylvan Lake, about 1 hour 20 min north of here, due west of Red Deer. Good game. The Flames won 4-3 in OT.

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45. JF September 24, 2014 at 11:49 pm

    Thanks for your answers! I just saw on my Fibe pvr guide on centre ice channels and they say 6 payments of 34,82$.. Thats about the same price as gamecentre.. I think that I will try it on TV this year instead of streaming via my ps4.. I just hope that they will broadcast the Canadian feed (sportsnet) and not the US team feed..

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46. WATZ September 25, 2014 at 2:34 am

    The past couple years Telus OPTIK Centre Ice package did NOT offer the same channels as the Centre Ice packages offered by BELL (Expressvu) or SHAW. The OPTIK package didn’t offer the channels TSN-JETS, TSN-HABS, LEAFS-TV or any of the MSG channels (in HD), but it offered both home and away feeds for a number of games (in HD) which neither BELL or SHAW did. Speaking with a Telus rep they informed that Telus had signed a deal with Rogers to offer Centre Ice again for 2014/15 but they don’t believe Telus has made any changes to the package Does anyone know whether the 2014/15 Telus OPTIK Centre Ice package will include ALL the regional TSN channels (since it never has before)?

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47. Steve in BC September 25, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    This ^. Could someone pleas advise if Telus Optik Centre Ice will broadcast the regional Leafs games in BC. They did last year including the preseason games. I’m afraid they aren’t going to . I called Telus the other night and the service rep told me they had “hundreds of cancellations” over this issue

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 25, 2014 at 7:32 pm

       Could someone pleas advise if Telus Optik Centre Ice will broadcast the regional Leafs games in BC.

       Yeah, Telus. But they might not know for a couple of weeks, so wait until the season begins. There’s usually a free preview of Centre Ice, so you’d have time to evaluate it before buying.

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       1. WATZ September 25, 2014 at 11:33 pm

          When I talked to Telus yesterday I was informed there would be no pre-season games and no free preview period for Centre Ice this year. So waiting until game day to see if the regional TSN channels are there means waiting until ……

          The 1st regional Senators game (TSN5) is October 9.
          The 1st regional Jets game (TSN3) is October 9.
          The 1st regional Leafs game (TSN4) is October 14.

          …..but, there are alternate feeds to all those games so it still might not be clear until the season is well under way, then, the one game we DO want to watch, SORRY, can’t watch that one boys, that TSN channel is not available in the OPTIK package. It’s ridiculous.

          Last year, the Telus package didn’t carry any of the TSN regional games, only those on Sportsnet. So assuming their Centre Ice package continues to offer all the regional Sportsnet channels, then all the Habs, Flames, Oilers and Canucks games should be available.

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48. Larry September 28, 2014 at 8:27 am

    I had RDS for 25 years, it was part of my package when I signed up with ExpressVu.
    I use to watch the Habs there when my team wasn’t playing. Now I’m getting a note saying “This program is not available in your area” so now I’m losing that station RDS 123 for 3 hours per game which amount to 246 hours not including the preseason and playoffs. Do I getting reimbursed for that.
    If Rogers want viewers to pay into that, then let them create another channel but leave RDS, I don’t even mind losing those games but I paid for that station so I can watch it 24 hours a day if I want to.
    One very angry viewer.

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    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 28, 2014 at 3:34 pm

       now I’m losing that station RDS 123 for 3 hours per game which amount to 246 hours not including the preseason and playoffs. Do I getting reimbursed for that.

       No. For one thing, RDS is only carrying 60 Habs games, plus the preseason games. It is not broadcasting any playoff games. And I don’t think your contract for RDS includes any guarantees as far as minimum hours of broadcasting a year.

       I don’t even mind losing those games but I paid for that station so I can watch it 24 hours a day if I want to.

       You can ask RDS to provide alternative programming during those Habs games, but I don’t think the audience west of Ottawa is high enough to warrant it.

       Reply ↓
49. Kinetic September 30, 2014 at 6:22 am

    If Telus in BC doesn’t make TSN regional games for the Jets and Leafs available on Centre Ice outside of those teams’ broadcast territories, can they still air US feeds (Fox Sports, MSG, NBCSN) for those same games?

    Reply ↓
    1. Fagstein Post authorSeptember 30, 2014 at 9:39 am

       It’s not Rogers that supplies the Centre Ice feeds?

       Reply ↓
    2. WATZ October 1, 2014 at 2:23 pm

       Any nationally televised game (Canada or US) would not be available in Centre Ice (and that’s always been the case). For reasons that appear to be privileged corporate secrets at TELUS, last years TELUS OPTIK package didn’t include LEAFS-TV or any of the TSN or MSG regional feeds. So while you may be able to watch a different feed of a TSN regional game, if it’s a game televised by a regional TSN station and a regional MSG station forget it.

       But, at this 11th hour, a post on TELUS community website yesterday indicated TELUS is still evaluating their Centre Ice package………………

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50. Crash7 October 1, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    I’m more confused than ever and Telus isn’t helping. A couple quotes from a Telus rep in their forum…

    ” Optik TV NHL Centre Ice package does not include channels that offer regional broadcasts of JETS, LEAFS, SENATORS and CANADIENS games.”

    “The reason that Shaw Direct/Cable and Bell Satellite offer the full package is that the satellite companies are national and have access to all games where as we are regional. Notwithstanding this we are hopeful that we get the full slate of games.”

    Basically, I wanna know why, living in Alberta, I can’t get regional Jets, Leafs, Habs, and Sens games on Centre Ice?

    Reply ↓
    1. WATZ October 2, 2014 at 5:04 am

       Crash7: You, me, and everyone who has bought or is contemplating buying the OPTIK Centre Ice package from Telus, and the majority of employees at Telus want to know why too.

       I don’t buy that national vs regional excuse that Telus guy was peddling for a minute. There are 1 town (1 subdivision) cable companies a lot smaller than Telus that provide the “full” package.

       If you scroll to the top of this blog you will see where Fagstein has so kindly and painstakingly compiled lists of what games will be on what networks for each Canadian team.

       In the past, the OPTIK Centre Ice package has carried ALL the Sportsnet regional games so since Fagstein has indicated that approx. 40 Habs games will be televised nationally and approx. 40 will be televised on SNE (which should be available in the OPTIK Centre Ice package), the Habs games shouldn’t be an issue with the OPTIK package.

       So it’s the regional games on TSN-3 (JETS) TSN-4 (LEAFS) and TSN-5 (SENS) that’s the issue.

       The other issue that I don’t think Telus will ever address in their OPTIK package is the missing MSG channels (all the New York teams (Sabres, Devils, Rangers and Islanders)).

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       1. Crash7 October 6, 2014 at 9:52 pm

          Telus update. It’s a good sign that the Jets and Sens games are both listed in the guide on Center Ice this Thursday. Both are TSN regional games. I guess we will find out then for sure if these games will be available.

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