KHL and ESPN Making An Impact

Five months ago, when the LA Kings hoisted the Stanley Cup, never did I think there would currently be a lockout over the CBA between the NHL and NHLPA. I'm sure most of you didn't either. Also, if asked in the absence of NHL puck, if KHL games were aired at home, would I watch, I would have laughed pretty hard. No shot I would ever watch a rival league of the NHL that tries to steal its players and force Russian players to stay home. This idea for an article came to me about an hour or two ago, when I learned KHL hockey, with players such as Zdeno Chara and Alex Ovechkin in live action, would be aired on ESPN2. I'm writing this article as I sit in front of the television, staring intently at the game while thinking about how I would NEVER watch the Kontinental Hockey League. What I didn't realize five months ago is how much I would be foaming at the mouth for professional hockey right now......as I know you are all too.

Hockey fans are a different breed of fans. We may not include the biggest fan base in the United States with the likes of NFL, NBA, MLB, and NASCAR having such huge impacts. But hockey fans are the most die hard you will find around. We love our sport and we follow our teams with our hearts on our sleeves. That is why I know anybody who is near a television right now or has ESPN3 on their computers that is a hockey fan is tuning into the game. With currently no NHL and no movement with the CBA, hockey fans in the United States will tune into ESPN for these KHL games. It is the closest thing to the NHL we have, with many of the players on our favorite NHL teams playing in the league overseas. 

The one thing that irks me about the whole setup is that ESPN is the network carrying the games. The NHL and ESPN haven't been the best of friends since their split in 2004. I, personally, think the NHL was right in leaving the network because they weren't getting the exposure that was expected. They made a mistake in signing with, at the time, OLN because it was not a channel in every home. However, this led to the agreement we see today with NBC, which has been fantastic for the NHL and its fans as now we can catch a game almost every night of the week on basic cable. I've even boycotted ESPN to a point because I can't catch more than a recap of three seconds for any hockey game. I'd rather watch NBC or NHL Network and get all hockey. 

In the end, ESPN is making a very smart move by airing the KHL. Hockey fans are craving hockey and it's probably the best league behind the NHL. It will bring in extra viewers, people like me, who would normally not tune into ESPN to often. It gives the network viewers and shows its interest by airing the KHL during the lockout in the NHL. It could help ESPN in the long run trying to acquire some type of NHL hockey on the network again. Seven games will air on ESPN2 and 3 during October, with more coming in the further months for sure. It's the NHL's turn to strike back and get their fans back on their league and network.

Other Hockey Markets Exist For Fans

With the continuing absence of the NHL since the lockout between the NHL and the NHLPA began on September 15, hockey fans have been looking for an outlet to dull the pain. Including talks up to just this morning, little progress has been made in the revenue area and cancellation of preseason games have cost the NHL $100 million. It seems as if there will not be NHL hockey for quite some time. In the meantime, I'm going to try and take part in watching other forms of hockey. If you want a hockey fix, here are a few options for the avid hockey fan.

Professional Hockey

American Hockey League: The AHL is the tier of professional hockey right under the NHL in the North American market. Most of these teams are owned or tied in with NHL teams as where their prospects are developed. It has a great mix of young kids on the rise who still need some coaching before the big leagues and veterans who have made careers out of playing in this league. It is very good hockey and gives a chance for the fan of a particular NHL team to see what kinds of players the team has in their system. Who knows, if the NHL returns, some of these players could see some call up time with the big club. Some current NHLers to prevent travel to Europe will stay and play in the AHL as well.

European Leagues: Although tough to find for the non-technology person, Kontinental Hockey League and Swedish Elite League games may be televised over the internet for hockey fans. Many of the players in the NHL, are heading over to these areas to play high level hockey. These are considered the professional leagues of Europe and the best of those players that stay over there will play in these leagues. These leagues also playing on Olympic size sheets, making the ice bigger and more open for players.

College Hockey

This is the most exciting league for me coming into the winter. Without NHL hockey and for me, the Rangers, my main go to hockey will be at the college level. Division I college hockey provides a great atmosphere with the game and fans alike. Stadiums are packed with supporters and bands of each time while the hockey on the ice is fast-paced and exciting. Best part about it is there is plenty of it and can be attended in person. Tickets are cheap and it's a great way to see a great hockey game. Again, these are some of the kids that have been drafted, or will be drafted by NHL clubs, developing under a team not affiliated with the big clubs. A great example of a recent player out of college to make a big splash is Chris Kreider who won a National Championship with Boston College then provided major offense for the Rangers in last years NHL playoffs.

Junior Hockey

United States Hockey League: The USHL is the top junior league in the United States. It has a great mix of home-grown American talent mixed in with some of the best young players in the world. It may not get the recognition that the Canadian Hockey League gets, but it is certainly a great game and provides hockey in some areas that are not normally reached by NHL teams. For fans of these areas who won't have much else, this is a good league to go check out. Games can also be found on the internet for other hockey fans interested in catching a game.

Canadian Hockey League: Made up of three separate leagues that play in their own playoffs and championships before coming together for the Memorial Cup (one of the COOLEST concepts in hockey), this league is the best of the best in terms of junior leagues. Canadian players run the league since it is home-grown, but some of the best talent outside will make their way over in hopes of being seen and drafted by an NHL team. Some big time NHL prospects and undrafted players make their way through this league and put up some major numbers. It is exciting hockey to watch and can be found on the internet as well. Unless your really that desperate and want to move to Canada, where it'll be the top story on ESPN every night!

Hopefully that provides some other options to all you hockey fans out there waiting for the NHL to return. I know we all need hockey fixes, so these will not be as great as the NHL, but something close to it to hopefully provide some closure to hockey depression. Just hope the NHL comes back soon.....