Hockey Central (Versus)
Hockey Central is a show that Versus airs after every National Hockey League game the network televises as part of The NHL on Versus.
History
The NHL on VERSUS Post Game Report first aired on October 5, 2005. The show is hosted by Bill Patrick and a rotating panel of analysts as they break down highlights of other games, show special features on NHL players, and debate key issues in the NHL. The format is similar to TNT's Inside the NBA. Sometimes, VERSUS airs a pre-game EDition of the show, usually prior to a double-header. The show does not air after double-headers, instead it usually takes place between games. It is also known as the "Hockey Central Post Game Report" or just "Hockey Central".
Hockey Central was first broadcast in HD on October 3, 2007.
Location
The NHL on VERSUS Post Game Report is recorded live from Versus' Stamford, Connecticut studios. At times, the studio has gone on location for special events. VERSUS' on location studio shows have aired from:
- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan: February 12, 2006
- RBC Center, Raleigh, North Carolina: June 5, 2006; June 7, 2006
- American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas: January 24, 2007
- Honda Center, Anaheim, California: May 28, 2007 and May 30, 2007.
Personalities
Current
- Jack Edwards Host (2006–present)
- Brian Engblom Analyst (2005–present)
- Keith Jones Lead Analyst (2005–present)
- Mark Messier Analyst (2006 - present)
- Ed Olczyk Analyst (2005–present)
- Bill Patrick Lead Host (2007–Present)
- Al Trautwig Host (2006–present)
Former
- Bill Clement Lead Host (2005 - 2007)
- Pierre McGuire Lead Analyst (2005 - 2006)
- Neil Smith Lead Analyst (2005 - 2006)
- P.J. STOCK Analyst (2005)
Playoffs
- Rick DiPietro Analyst (2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
- Tom Fitzgerald Analyst (2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
- Mike Knuble Analyst (2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
- Ken Hitchcock Analyst (2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
- Peter Laviolette Analyst (2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
- Ted Nolan Analyst (2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
- Aaron Ward Analyst (2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
- Doug Weight Analyst (2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
Breakdown of studio team
2005-06
Regular season
During the 2005-06 NHL season, former NHL forward Keith Jones and then-former NHL GM Neil Smith were the regular analysts on the show. On Monday nights, they were joined by Pierre McGuire. Sometimes, Smith or McGuire would be on assignment for TSN, and a rotating cast of analysts would replace them, including Brian Engblom, Eddie Olczyk and P.J. Stock.
Postseason
During the playoffs, they brought in current NHL players Flyers' Mike Knuble, the Islanders' Rick DiPietro, and the Bruins' Tom Fitzgerald. Lastly, hockey great Mark Messier was a guest analyst during the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.
2006-07
For the 2006-07 season, Jones and Engblom were brought back as regulars, while Clement remained as The Primary host. The network also brought back Olczyk, but he was not used as often due to his commitments to the Chicago Blackhawks. Pierre McGuire and Neil Smith did not return to the network.
2007-08
Clement left the network prior to the 2007-08 season, and former SportsCenter host and USA Network PGA Tour play-by-play man Bill Patrick replaced him. Both Jones and Engblom are expected to return to the show, which moved to Versus' new in-house, HD studio in connecticut.