Rogers Sportsnet is giving hockey fans more information and analysis with the addition of Doug MacLean, a former NHL general manager and coach, to the Hockeycentral team.
"After 22 years in the NHL, this is a challenging new role," said MacLean. "Analyzing hockey. It doesn’t get any better."
MacLean will be the analyst on a new nightly program called Hockeycentral Tonight, which will debut nationally Monday, September 22 at 11 p.m. (ET)/8 p.m. (PT). Hockeycentral Tonight will cover all Canadian NHL teams and games played that night, and the hockey news of the day. In addition to MacLean, the Hockeycentral Tonight panel will also consist of analysts Nick Kypreos, Gord Stellick and Mike Brophy. Daren Millard and RJ Broadhead will serve as hosts.
"As a network that airs more NHL games than any other combined, adding a show like Hockeycentral Tonight at 11p.m. (ET) seems a natural fit," said Mike English, Executive Producer, Rogers Sportsnet. "There are two seasons in Canadian sports…the hockey season…and the off season. We’re just feeding that passion."
English went on to say that MacLean coming on board, "…is a huge coup for Sportsnet. To have someone so closely connected to the game as a former coach, GM and president who is familiar with the issues on and off the ice, Doug can provide insights only few are privy to – ultimately the viewer will be the big winner."
MacLean, the Summerside, PEI native, is viewed as one of the most intelligent hockey minds in the business. His NHL experience is highlighted by coaching the Florida Panthers to the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals. In 1998, MacLean became the first GM of the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets and took over as interim Head Coach during the 2002-03 season. His tenure with Columbus concluded at the end of the 2006-07 season.
