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.''
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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.
Both the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings will have three games involved in the fan voting. Eight teams have two games involved, and there are a total of 16 teams with games offered for a vote.
The first chance for fans to vote for will be Oct. 29, when the game between St. Louis and Detroit will go against the New York Islanders vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. Voting begins Oct. 8, and the game choice will be announced Oct. 19. There will be another opportunity in January, two in February and three in March.
Besides giving viewers a chance to choose which game will be on, the network also hopes to increase its audience for hockey -- traditionally the lowest-rated of the major sports.
``You would hope by programming the game viewers want to watch,'' it would increase the number who tune in, Laferriere said.
Updated on Tuesday, Sep 30, 2003 6:47 pm EDT
