doug — off the record

Bill Hewitt, Ward Cornell, Brian McFarlane, Danny Gallivan, Dick Irvine, and the list goes on.

If you recognize the names above, then you enjoyed watching Hockey Night in Canada a long time ago on CBC. It was announced yesterday that CBC would no longer be broadcasting Hockey Night in Canada.

For me, it was more than just a hockey game to watch on Saturday nights. I can remember when the game broadcast started at 9pm and then eventually moved to 8pm. It was a ritual around our house. My father was a big Maple Leaf fan. I’d watch but it was extra special when my Montreal Canadiens made the show.

There was a ritual – either my brother or I would have to go outside and turn the antenna either north or south to Wingham or London to see which CBC station had the best signal. My mother would make popcorn in this old beat up pot on the stove and it was such a special treat to lie on the floor and watch the game. Actually, only part of the game; my brother had to go to bed after the first period and I got to stay up until the end of the second.

Beyond the living room, the impact reached to road hockey. Some of us would have hockey jerseys and would claim who we are. “I’m Jean Béliveau. I’m Dave Keon.” I can’t remember any one of my friends wanting to be Tim Horton. Man, they could be rich today.

Time marches on and names like Ron MacLean, Don Cherry, Scott Cuthbert, Bob Cole, Harry Neale, Howie Meeker, Dave Hodge, and so many more add to the memories. Those were just the broadcasters; the list of players is almost endless.

For the past while, the games have been broadcast on Sportsnet and simultaneously on the CBC. But, apparently, no longer.

There’s no question in my mind that it’s all about money. The CBC has been taking hits from all fronts lately and I’ve got to believe that the price was just too high.

I suppose from the corporate level this is simply just a business deal. One side wants this, the other side wants that and a meeting of the minds just didn’t happen.

Is it a done deal? I guess the bigger question will be whether or not there will be enough outrage for the participants to get back negotiating.

We most certainly live in different times. With internet and cable, we no longer have to worry about what’s on with the three channels that we can get. With so many channels, there are so many options. And, you could also pay the premium to subscribe to Sportsnet.

I do find it sad; it’s like a major part of my childhood memories are gone. The worst part is that Montreal could have won the cup this year and we could have watched it for free.