ESPN2 to offer viewers chance to pick which hockey games are televised

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-tv-viewerschoice&prov=ap&type=lgns

ESPN2 to offer viewers chance to pick which hockey games are televised
By CONNOR ENNIS, AP Sports Writer
September 30, 2003

NEW YORK (AP) -- Hockey fans will have seven opportunities this season to choose which NHL game will be televised on ESPN2.

For the first time, the network will allow fans to vote online to determine which game will be shown on a particular night. There will be a voting period of 10 days to two weeks, during which fans can choose among two or three games.

``We think it's going to be an effective tool,'' Kelly Laferriere, vice president of programming and acquisitions for ESPN, said Tuesday. ``It's going to empower the fans in terms of voicing what game they want to see.''

The new element is being used only on ESPN2, which televises games blacked out locally and often televised by other networks in those markets. ESPN, however, has exclusive rights to the games it shows.
.
.
.

Guaranteed the same teams will be played. Like Colorado fans will go nuts to vote for their team or something, and they'll be played even if its like Colorado vs. Pittsburgh, meanwhile Dallas plays Philadelphia and that game won't be shown. I dont' really like this idea. Think it could backfire for ESPN.

Guaranteed the same teams will be played. Like Colorado fans will go nuts to vote for their team or something, and they'll be played even if its like Colorado vs. Pittsburgh, meanwhile Dallas plays Philadelphia and that game won't be shown. I dont' really like this idea. Think it could backfire for ESPN.

I hear you there. One great thing about Dish Network satellite is that if you don't subscribe to the NHL Center Ice package you still have Espn 1 and 2 alternates to fall back on in your standard package which show alternate hockey games all season long here in the States. This makes the poll decision a moot point. HDNET will be showing a fair number of pro hockey games in high definition this season on both Dish and DirecTV.