This is a question for all you hockey fans out there. I'm sure you know that after every game, three players are selected as the stars of the game. As their names are read, they make one last skate on the ice and wave at the audience.

Up until the mid-1990's, if the game is telecast on TV, be it CBC, TSN, ESPN, or any other station, during the post-game three star selection, the camera would zoom in on the player as he makes his final skate on the ice. But starting in the mid-1990's, TV stations no longer show the three stars skating out. Instead, the three names appear on the TV screen and the host talks about them for a while.

Does anyone know the reasons behind this change? I kind of miss seeing the three stars on TV.

I'm shocked. There is actually a hockey question on this board. Not too many hockey fans post here.

Seriously, though, good question, although I do not know the answer.

I would recommend posting this question, on the hockey forum of the team or teams you cheer for. Chances are, someone will have the answer.

Hockey hasn't never been the same since Gretzky retired in 2000 or 2001?? The sport has suffered a big, huge, blow, well, it is still hugely popular in Canada!!

Gretzky retired at the end of the 1998-99 season. No Canadian-based team has won the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens in 1993, although Team Canada won the gold medal at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

But back to my question - can anyone answer it?

I don't remember ESPN ever showing the 3 stars, I don't think it something that is truly important. It's all about making money and if they can cut away for commercials after a game instead of showing the 3 stars live, I'm sure that's part of the reason. It's one of those things you might notice if you are at a game, but not if you are watching it on tv. It's usually biased for the home team anyway.

Of course, the Colorado Avalanche who were the former Quebec Nordiques have won a few cups.. but I'm not sure they would have won them had they stayed in Quebec.. I think we will see a Canadian team win it this year, with Vancouver being my choice. Ottawa also has a very good chance at making the finals.. but a Vancouver-Ottawa final would never be shown on ABC, I'm sure they would move it to ESPN.

Originally posted by TJ
a Vancouver-Ottawa final would never be shown on ABC, I'm sure they would move it to ESPN.

Or the Comedy Channel. :wave:

No wonder they call it the Entertainment Sports Programming Network!!