NHL fans received the unfortunate news last week that HBO will not produce a new installment of its beloved “24/7” hockey documentary series for the 2014-15 season.
Those looking for behind-the-scenes NHL access won’t be left out in the cold, however.
The league instead has partnered with premium cable channel Epix to produce two four-episode miniseries in the vein of “24/7,” multiple sources told ESPN.com’s Scott Burnside.
One reportedly will follow the lead-up to the 2015 Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals, while the other will focus on the Feb. 21 game between the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings at Levi’s Stadium. Both will be produced by former HBO executive Ross Greenburg, who helped bring the first season of “24/7” to live in 2011.
A potential issue could arise over the fact that several prominent cable providers, including Comcast, currently do not carry Epix, which is known more for movies than for original programming. The deal between the network and league, however, stipulates that “all hockey fans in the United States will have access to the finished product,” according to an ESPN.com source.
The NHL is expected to announce the details of the new partnership Sept. 23.
