Rumor: Big Changes Coming to HNIC Panel

[Tad Mikowsky]

What an ebil old white man!

He has said some pretty racist and xenophobic shit.

You can deny it all you want.

 

[biturbo19]

Its been a very dry broadcast for years now.

Getting rid of Bieska and Amber is a mistake though.

Keep Amber and Bieksa, I like Jen and even Kelly. I always liked Strombolopoulas and didn’t understand the problem with him. get rid of all the gambling ads so they can have longer to discuss the game (and not the Leafs even if they’re not playing)

I really don't get what the appeal is with David Amber. What is it that people actually like about him as a host? I find him incredibly cringey, but in an obnoxious way...not that sort of dorky self-deprecating Ron McLean way.


It feels to me like these two hosts seem to often be mutually exclusive in the people who like them. People who like Amber seem to despise Ron, and often vice versa. But my question for people who dislike Ron is always...is he not a key part of the fabric of what has made HNIC special and unique for decades? Ron feels like a real "throwback" broadcaster at this point. It's that idea of the "broadcast as an aesthetic". It treats it like an art.

Whereas David Amber feels like the epitome of what Rogers wants in a host. It's broadcasting as a "Utility". Just punching the non-jokes and laughing loudly at them on cue, making sure to keep everything on the "intended storylines" they run 24-7, and be sure to throw promptly to the gambling ads. It's all very polished and streamlined to minimalize anything memorable and drum out anything particularly unique.

I just don't understand what he does well from a hockey fan perspective. He doesn't even come across as particularly knowledgeable or passionate about the game itself. He's not like Ron pulling random history out of his ass for no reason other than the fact he's compulsively passionate about the story and history of the game.



I'd happily take Strombolopoulos back over Amber as a host. Strombo at least had that same clear passion for the fabric of the game and for broadcasting as an art that Ron has carried the torch on for decades. But even Strombo seemed like a poor fit, in that he's much better suited to more "in depth" format broadcasting. Where he can really probe and dive into things himself, rather than just throwing to the "experts on the panel".

Amber just feels like a News Anchor that they found who reads the prompter and punches his time card then goes home and doesn't think about hockey. I hate it.

 

[PaulD]

If you have no opinion on bieksa from not watching how do you have one on botterill?

as I said it was BEFORE they put Bieska on that I stopped watching the panel, turning (switching channels) I did give it a chance. It sucks.

 

[PaulD]

I really don't get what the appeal is with David Amber. What is it that people actually like about him as a host? I find him incredibly cringey, but in an obnoxious way...not that sort of dorky self-deprecating Ron McLean way.


It feels to me like these two hosts seem to often be mutually exclusive in the people who like them. People who like Amber seem to despise Ron, and often vice versa. But my question for people who dislike Ron is always...is he not a key part of the fabric of what has made HNIC special and unique for decades? Ron feels like a real "throwback" broadcaster at this point. It's that idea of the "broadcast as an aesthetic". It treats it like an art.

Whereas David Amber feels like the epitome of what Rogers wants in a host. It's broadcasting as a "Utility". Just punching the non-jokes and laughing loudly at them on cue, making sure to keep everything on the "intended storylines" they run 24-7, and be sure to throw promptly to the gambling ads. It's all very polished and streamlined to minimalize anything memorable and drum out anything particularly unique.

I just don't understand what he does well from a hockey fan perspective. He doesn't even come across as particularly knowledgeable or passionate about the game itself. He's not like Ron pulling random history out of his ass for no reason other than the fact he's compulsively passionate about the story and history of the game.



I'd happily take Strombolopoulos back over Amber as a host. Strombo at least had that same clear passion for the fabric of the game and for broadcasting as an art that Ron has carried the torch on for decades. But even Strombo seemed like a poor fit, in that he's much better suited to more "in depth" format broadcasting. Where he can really probe and dive into things himself, rather than just throwing to the "experts on the panel".

Amber just feels like a News Anchor that they found who reads the prompter and punches his time card then goes home and doesn't think about hockey. I hate it.

And a full fledge card carrying "leaf nation" member.

 

[brentashton]

I really don't get what the appeal is with David Amber. What is it that people actually like about him as a host? I find him incredibly cringey, but in an obnoxious way...not that sort of dorky self-deprecating Ron McLean way.


It feels to me like these two hosts seem to often be mutually exclusive in the people who like them. People who like Amber seem to despise Ron, and often vice versa. But my question for people who dislike Ron is always...is he not a key part of the fabric of what has made HNIC special and unique for decades? Ron feels like a real "throwback" broadcaster at this point. It's that idea of the "broadcast as an aesthetic". It treats it like an art.

Whereas David Amber feels like the epitome of what Rogers wants in a host. It's broadcasting as a "Utility". Just punching the non-jokes and laughing loudly at them on cue, making sure to keep everything on the "intended storylines" they run 24-7, and be sure to throw promptly to the gambling ads. It's all very polished and streamlined to minimalize anything memorable and drum out anything particularly unique.

I just don't understand what he does well from a hockey fan perspective. He doesn't even come across as particularly knowledgeable or passionate about the game itself. He's not like Ron pulling random history out of his ass for no reason other than the fact he's compulsively passionate about the story and history of the game.



I'd happily take Strombolopoulos back over Amber as a host. Strombo at least had that same clear passion for the fabric of the game and for broadcasting as an art that Ron has carried the torch on for decades. But even Strombo seemed like a poor fit, in that he's much better suited to more "in depth" format broadcasting. Where he can really probe and dive into things himself, rather than just throwing to the "experts on the panel".

Amber just feels like a News Anchor that they found who reads the prompter and punches his time card then goes home and doesn't think about hockey. I hate it.

Ron is cooked and Amber is the epitome of someone who says they “need to get pucks in deep“, broadcast host style. He has zero panache, substance or style, not a fan.

I do suspect Amber will get the chair when Ron leaves though. They seemed to have been grooming him with the late Saturday game slot.

As long as it’s not Kate Bierness from TSN, I can pretty much live with any choice they make. I shut the TV down when she is on the TSN CFL panel. Just cant do it.

 

[PaulD]

Some people might be surprised that a handful of soundbytes don't define a person. People who know him personally seem to speak highly of him, including Sean McMorrow, who would know better than any fan would. Love him or hate him he's more entertaining than any other hockey media personality out there.

I do like Bieksa, but Ron's relevance left with Don.

Well said

 

[PaulD]

When MacLean threw Cherry under the bus and made a canned corporate statement after, I lost all respect for him. To me that's when HNIC truly died.

Could not agree more.

 

[Levi Walking Bear]

Bring in Charles Barkley and Shaq, funny if nothing else.

 

[Mattilaus]

When MacLean threw Cherry under the bus and made a canned corporate statement after, I lost all respect for him. To me that's when HNIC truly died.

Cherry was a dick for putting MacLean in that kind of situation in the first place. Cherry spend years with MacLean covering for his questionable comments. Good riddance.

 

[Gunnersaurus Rex]

Hated Bieksa as a player, but as a commentator, he's gold. Best thing to happen to HNIC broadcast in decades.
Like Botteril as well, I hope she stays.
Fiedeman is meh but is okay in small doses.
Time for McLean and Hrudey to go.

 

[PaulD]

MAJOR | Big changes reportedly coming to Hockey Night in Canada next season

According to Howard Berger, major changes are reportedly coming to Hockey Night in Canada next season.

www.canucksdaily.com

We can only hope !

 

[Ghetty Green]

I really don't get what the appeal is with David Amber. What is it that people actually like about him as a host? I find him incredibly cringey, but in an obnoxious way...not that sort of dorky self-deprecating Ron McLean way.


It feels to me like these two hosts seem to often be mutually exclusive in the people who like them. People who like Amber seem to despise Ron, and often vice versa. But my question for people who dislike Ron is always...is he not a key part of the fabric of what has made HNIC special and unique for decades? Ron feels like a real "throwback" broadcaster at this point. It's that idea of the "broadcast as an aesthetic". It treats it like an art.

Whereas David Amber feels like the epitome of what Rogers wants in a host. It's broadcasting as a "Utility". Just punching the non-jokes and laughing loudly at them on cue, making sure to keep everything on the "intended storylines" they run 24-7, and be sure to throw promptly to the gambling ads. It's all very polished and streamlined to minimalize anything memorable and drum out anything particularly unique.

I just don't understand what he does well from a hockey fan perspective. He doesn't even come across as particularly knowledgeable or passionate about the game itself. He's not like Ron pulling random history out of his ass for no reason other than the fact he's compulsively passionate about the story and history of the game.



I'd happily take Strombolopoulos back over Amber as a host. Strombo at least had that same clear passion for the fabric of the game and for broadcasting as an art that Ron has carried the torch on for decades. But even Strombo seemed like a poor fit, in that he's much better suited to more "in depth" format broadcasting. Where he can really probe and dive into things himself, rather than just throwing to the "experts on the panel".

Amber just feels like a News Anchor that they found who reads the prompter and punches his time card then goes home and doesn't think about hockey. I hate it.

I hope Amber signs a lifetime contract to host HNIC just to piss you off. I love it.

 

[93LEAFS]

Bieksa is the last guy they should be firing. But, the show does need a massive reset.

I do think they are afraid though of going too off the cuff and less corporate in presentation, which if you look at probably the two absolute best pre-game/half-time shows around in NBA on TNT and Fox NFL Sunday, seems to be the best path. While, I'm not saying Cherry wasn't past his best before date, keeping the show as formal as they did in response has been a disaster. Although, finding ex-NHLers/excutives as interesting as Barkely or Shaq is probably impossible (especially with stature).

Rogers/HNIC is the type of org who looks at the possibility of hiring Shaq, Tim Duncan or Charles Barkley, and ends up hiring Tim Duncan.

 

[BHD]

Change for the sake of change? Like others have said, Bieksa was really good. Friedman, while vanilla at times, is a key part of the lineup. Hrudey is the only guy I could do without.

 

[JKG33]

Bieksa is the only one that'll be missed, and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets picked up by TNT. The rest of them are all pretty vanilla dime a dozen types thatre easily replaceable

 

[biturbo19]

I hope Amber signs a lifetime contract to host HNIC just to piss you off. I love it.

That seems incredibly petty. But ok.

 

[Jeremy Hronek]

I am wondering if Bieksa wants a job that is closer to California. Maybe the parties decided to mutually part ways.

 

[JianYang]

I am wondering if Bieksa wants a job that is closer to California. Maybe the parties decided to mutually part ways.

This is a rumor until we get official word. As of now, bieksa is still part of the hnic team.

However we have seen some big media companies on both sides of the border lay off some very recognizable talents lately. It's what makes me think there's some legs to this rumor too.

 

[Kevinsane]

Ron is smarmy and sanctimonious. Should’ve been gone loooooong ago. The rest are superfluous.
Give Bieksa ten minutes, call it “The Juice Box”, and let him talk to real hockey fans, who are the only ones watching the intermissions anyway.

 

[Karl Eriksson]

Bring in Subban and Roenick

 

[PaulD]

Bring in Subban and Roenick

one stooge short

 

[Kimota]

Bring back Grapes or people with personality and balls. I was getting tired in recent years of Maclean kissing Bettman's butt all the time. Even Bieska who is supposed to have a personality was so damn tame. Not the firecracker he was on the ice.

 

[Kobe Armstrong]

Time for PJ Stock and EJ Hradek

 

[BLNY]

I really don't get what the appeal is with David Amber. What is it that people actually like about him as a host? I find him incredibly cringey, but in an obnoxious way...not that sort of dorky self-deprecating Ron McLean way.


It feels to me like these two hosts seem to often be mutually exclusive in the people who like them. People who like Amber seem to despise Ron, and often vice versa. But my question for people who dislike Ron is always...is he not a key part of the fabric of what has made HNIC special and unique for decades? Ron feels like a real "throwback" broadcaster at this point. It's that idea of the "broadcast as an aesthetic". It treats it like an art.

Whereas David Amber feels like the epitome of what Rogers wants in a host. It's broadcasting as a "Utility". Just punching the non-jokes and laughing loudly at them on cue, making sure to keep everything on the "intended storylines" they run 24-7, and be sure to throw promptly to the gambling ads. It's all very polished and streamlined to minimalize anything memorable and drum out anything particularly unique.

I just don't understand what he does well from a hockey fan perspective. He doesn't even come across as particularly knowledgeable or passionate about the game itself. He's not like Ron pulling random history out of his ass for no reason other than the fact he's compulsively passionate about the story and history of the game.



I'd happily take Strombolopoulos back over Amber as a host. Strombo at least had that same clear passion for the fabric of the game and for broadcasting as an art that Ron has carried the torch on for decades. But even Strombo seemed like a poor fit, in that he's much better suited to more "in depth" format broadcasting. Where he can really probe and dive into things himself, rather than just throwing to the "experts on the panel".

Amber just feels like a News Anchor that they found who reads the prompter and punches his time card then goes home and doesn't think about hockey. I hate it.

Amber's seems a nice enough guy, but he's drier than unbuttered toast.

I thought they threw Strombo under the bus. He's a whiz at interviews. He might have been too much of a fan for the prime time show, but after hours? Hometown hockey? I think he'd have been perfect for that.

I don't see George going back though. He's got his CBC radio gig and seems happy to be doing that and Apple radio stuff.

Someone mentioned the idea that it might be part of Rogers deciding not to bid against CTV/TSN for the next contract? That's possible. I've viewed TSN's cuts over the last couple of years as a means of consolidating resources for a bid. I don't know what that would mean for CBC though. Would they bid for Saturday nights on their own, as they were before the merger with Rogers? Hard to say.

 

[dez]

David Amber, Anthony Stewart, Sarah Nurse, Devonte Smith-Pelly and a combination of Cabbie and Jamal Mayers shilling single game bets. That would be perfect.