NHL Network 'very close' to launching in America.

[erok 0]

Well, Eklund is reporting that NHL Network is close to launching in the USA... Do you really think it will happen?? The real issue that comes to mind with me is its distribution - which providers will jump on board with this? He mentions Comcast but what about Dish and Directv?

According to Hockeybuzz.com:

"Sources are telling me that the loooooong awaited launch of the NHL Network in America could be as little as "days" away. There are even rumours out there that it could start on Comcast as early as October 1, although to this point I have not been able to get anyone to comment officially on that date.

One source, close to the situation, did say "October" and another said, "Everything is just about in place."

When I asked if October 1 was possible, the source in NY said, "Yes. that is possible."

I will update this story throughout the day."

Source: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=9646

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

I'm not getting my hopes up until the rumor comes from a different source.... (not Eklund)

Edited September 26, 2007 by Wings_Fan_In_Exile

[Rob the Badger 0]

I'm eagerly awaiting for it to arrive. I'm just not going to hold my breath though, because I'm not expecting it to happen. I hope it does, but it probably won't. The Big 10 network will probably have bigger ratings and more hype.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

That would be sweet to have a NHL option for Comcast.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Chances that Eklund reported the same thing last season at this time: e5

[Hank 0]

I'm not getting my hopes up until the rumor comes from a different source.... (not Eklund)

Exactly! However, if it was delivered by a dancing Jean Claude Van Damme in an uber-*** one-peice leotard, THEN I'd believe it!

[Cicada 4]

what sort of content does it have?

[A.T.Hun 0]

I'm not getting my hopes up until the rumor comes from a different source.... (not Eklund)

How does an official press release sound? This is from a Cox Communications announcement.

Edited September 26, 2007 by A.T.Hun

[erok 0]

Effective October 30, Cox will also launch the NHL Network, featuring

24- hour hockey coverage including live games. The network's signature show

-- NHL On The Fly -- offers hockey fans exclusive coverage of each game,

including press conferences, expert analysis, and special highlights from

the NHL All- Star Game, NHL Stanley Cup Final and NHL Entry Draft. NHL

Network will be offered on channel 248 of the Digital Sports and Info tier

for Fairfax County and Fredericksburg-area customers.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories....0369&EDATE=

[auxlepli 17]

This was supposed to be done in the summer of 2007, not the fall. Can the NHL get out of the Comcast contract now?

[Wings_Fan_In_Exile 3]

Exactly! However, if it was delivered by a dancing Jean Claude Van Damme in an uber-*** one-peice leotard, THEN I'd believe it!

That's what I'm talking bout! Go rent the movie Breakin'.

Terrible 80's movie. Might even be Van Damme's first movie (as an extra).

[Hank 0]

That's what I'm talking bout! Go rent the movie Breakin'.

Terrible 80's movie. Might even be Van Damme's first movie (as an extra).

LOL! I watched that movie JUST to see that horrifyingly *** dance Van Damme brings to the table.

And how many movies does he have to wear that one-peice in (Breakin, Kickboxer, Lionheart, Bloodsport...)?

Man am I embarassed that I know that.

Okay, back on topic.

[Winged Scooter 0]

I wonder if the NHL Network will be carried by DirecTV ??

Sidenote: wait a minute!!! You mean to tell me Jean Claude Vandamme was in FREAKING BREAKIN' ???????

[Hank 0]

I wonder if the NHL Network will be carried by DirecTV ??

Sidenote: wait a minute!!! You mean to tell me Jean Claude Vandamme was in FREAKING BREAKIN' ???????

LOL! Yup. But he only had a VERY small part. He was merely a background dancer during one scene.

You can see his incredible, manly moves here:

http://www.planetdan.net/pics/misc/dammedance.gif

http://gifsrus.110mb.com/largegifs/25%20Va...-%20355x302.gif

[Winged Scooter 0]

LOL! Yup. But he only had a VERY small part. He was merely a background dancer during one scene.

You can see his incredible, manly moves here:

http://www.planetdan.net/pics/misc/dammedance.gif

http://gifsrus.110mb.com/largegifs/25%20Va...-%20355x302.gif

That is so DAMN FUNNY my side hurts!!

Back when I was a stupid teenager I used to think his movies were COOL!!!

[Hank 0]

And lets not forget this Oscar nominated scene (not reallY) from "Kickboxer":

[Opie 308]

That vid just suddenly took me over, I think it temporarily hypnotized me and now I want to go get a cardboard box and some spandex!!!

[Curban915 0]

thats as wrong as two boys kissing.

[Winged Scooter 0]

Ah yes Kickboxer, remember it well, perhaps NHL Network could JCVD as studio host?

Remember the episode of freinds where he told one of the girls he could crack a walnut with his butt?

[Hank 0]

That is so DAMN FUNNY my side hurts!!

Back when I was a stupid teenager I used to think his movies were COOL!!!

Chalk me up to being a stupid teenager then.

I used to love his earlier movies like Bloodsport, Kickboxer and Lionheart. I even liked "Nowhere To Run".

But I think we all knew his career was over when he did that movie with Rodman.

[Winged Scooter 0]

Chalk me up to being a stupid teenager then.

I used to love his earlier movies like Bloodsport, Kickboxer and Lionheart. I even liked "Nowhere To Run".

But I think we all knew his career was over when he did that movie with Rodman.

Absolutely! I liked his movies better than Steven Segal's because Segal never fought anyone who was his "equal" so to speak.

Back on subject, I did a search for NHL Network on DirecTv's web site, and there is no info available....

Edited September 26, 2007 by Winged Scooter

[hillbillywingsfan 794]

And lets not forget this Oscar nominated scene (not reallY) from "Kickboxer":

so whats that move called where it looks like he's 2 handing his mini Vandamme and brings it up to his face?

Edited September 26, 2007 by hillbillywingsfan

[Guest DetroitIan]

I really hope they launch this network in the U.S. But, it really doesnt effect me either way. NHL Center Ice is all I need. Hope it happens though. Any U.S. NHL coverage is a plus in my book. Expose the game to more Americans. It's the smart thing to do.

[Hank 0]

so whats that move called where it looks like he's 2 handing his mini Vandamme and brings it up to his face?

The Van Damme Slurp!

Actually, according to a high priced Madam, Van Damme "kicks with both legs".

[Winged Scooter 0]

I wonder how many a games a week the NHL Network will show, and if they'll have a "replay" show like the NFL Network does.

Oh and I seriously think we should petition the TV carriers to launch a Van Damme Channel.