Review of the NHL Center Ice

For those hockey lovers amongst us, the DirectTv's or cable programming package known as NHL Center Ice cannot be beat. Here are some of the benefits of having this package:

You can watch hockey games from every team in the NHL. Every game is televised on the local Fox Sports Network, but with NHL Center Ice - it will be carried. This gives you a chance to see all the teams in action. Of course, blackout restrictions may apply in your local area.

Most games carried on NHL Center Ice are broadcast in both teams' cities. This means that if a game is played between the Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks, the game will be broadcast on two separate satellite (or cable) channels. In other words, each local network will be carried on NHL Center Ice. This does not happen all the time, but in most cases.

By having each of the local networks broadcast, it gives us a chance to hear each of the city's local broadcasters. Each one has their own distinct personality and accent that is just fun to hear. The banter between the two different broadcasters of each local FSN network is entertaining in and of itself. It is especially fun to hear about the 'older' teams and the history they bring to the sport of hockey. Sometimes us hockey fans get a chance to see 'old time' players being interviewed during the game.

During intermissions of some games, there are clips of hockey greats. Each team has its own history, and many times we viewers are treated to 'vaulted' video clips of historical games, plays, and players. It is another feature that is just plain fun and interesting.

Another feature of watching different local broadcasts on NHL Center Ice are the variety of commercials aired. Seeing that each game aired is from a local network, the commercials give us a taste of the local environment. This may sound crazy, but it is interesting. For instance, in Detroit there currently is a book for sale titled '9'. It is written by Gordie Howe, the all-time great Detroit Red Wing. By watching the local FSN Detroit broadcast, we are treated to times and dates that he is at Joe Louis Arena. It is just entertaining to watch.

As far as the budget goes, the programming package can be paid in installments. This helps with budgeting, in most cases. That is but another benefit of having this programming package, in my opinion.

Most of the games during the week (Monday-Friday) are aired starting at 7pm EST. This is nice for those wanting to come home from a day of work and unwind with a hockey game.

I have seen there be 10 NHL hockey games in one night (Thursdays are popular) being televised. How nice is that? There are at least two games a night, but the average is closer to 5-7. Nice.

Overall, for any true hockey lover wanting more than just the NHL Network channel, NHL Center Ice is a great deal.