Passing The Torch

   It was a mainstay of Saturday nights since 1952. But after the Stanley Cup final ended Friday (L.A beat the Rangers 3-2 in double O.T taking the series 4-1), it faded to black. At least on CBC. As hard as it is to believe, Friday night's game was the final installment of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada after the NHL struck a deal with Rogers for the rights to the games starting next year.
   I remember every Saturday night growing up in Calgary. It was dinner, the Bugs Bunny Show, then Dad would settle into his favorite chair, grab a beer and watch the game. Of course, back in those days there were only 6 teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.
   Of course, CBC already saw the end of an era in 2008 when (after 40 years) they didn't negotiate a contract for the rights to what's simply known as The Hockey Theme, or Canada's 2nd national anthem.
   And while CBC will still carry NHL games, it'll be through a sub-license to Rogers, who will be providing the main coverage on networks like TSN.
   Why? CBC has run into budgetary, staffing and programming cuts. It's been said HNiC provided half of CBC's revenue, and the cuts also mean they will not be going after the broadcast rights of professional sports.

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