With the 2023-24 NHL season underway, the NHL has decided to take a page out of the NFL’s book by launching their own version of NFL RedZone called Frozen Frenzy. The show will have coverage on ESPN2 for the first time when all 32 teams are set to play tonight.
John Buccigross, an ESPN anchor, will be the host of the newly-launched program where fans will see “every goal, every power play, and every hit,” according to Front Office Sports.
NFL RedZone hosted by NFL Network’s Scott Hanson has become a massive hit since its inception in 2009. Hanson’s patented “seven hours of commercial-free football starts now” saying has become an iconic statement and music in NFL fan’s ears over the years.
The NHL and ESPN are hoping that Frozen Frenzy can have a similar vibe to it and captivate hockey fans by providing them with highlights and important moments from every game in real-time.
ESPN’s coordinating producer, Linda Schulz said the following about the decision to implement a whip-around coverage show for the NHL and how NFL RedZone influenced the idea: “I’m sure everyone is familiar with RedZone, this is our version of that.”
Schulz went on to mention the logistics of what it takes for a concept like this to come to fruition. “We worked all summer long to figure this out with our programming team and with the league.”
After a summer of preparation, Schulz, ESPN, and the NHL will have their first opportunity to see how it plays out tonight.
