Verizon FiOS TV customers get front row seats to hockey action with 'NHL Center Ice' and 'NHL Network'

NEW YORK – For die-hard hockey fans there is no such thing as watching too much hockey. Verizon is helping these fans get even more hockey programming by adding NHL Center Ice to the FiOS TV lineup. Also, Verizon will launch the NHL Network in the coming days.

NHL Center Ice is a subscription sports package that includes up to 40 out-of-market NHL games per week and select games from the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As an added bonus, Verizon will broadcast select NHL Center Ice games in high definition (HD). The price is $169 for the entire season.

NHL Network is the first 24-hour network dedicated to the National Hockey League, with unprecedented access to the most comprehensive hockey coverage both on and off the ice. NHL Network will broadcast 75 live regular-season games in 2008-09 -- all in HD. The programming brings hockey fans inside the game by offering original programming, documentaries, unparalleled analysis and highlights, live events, and the best in vintage games and features. The network's signature daily live highlight show, "NHL On The Fly," airs nightly throughout the hockey season.

Hockey fans will be amazed by the lifelike viewing experience they'll have when watching NHL action on FiOS.

"There's no better way to experience sports than on FiOS TV, and there's no better way to catch NHL action than with NHL Center Ice and NHL Network," said Terry Denson, vice president -- FiOS TV content and programming. "The unrivaled, stunning picture-and-sound quality that FiOS TV delivers will make fans feel like they're in a rink-side seat.  And by providing hundreds of out-of-market games during the season, NHL Center Ice gives our customers a chance to enjoy matchups they would rarely see locally."

Jody Shapiro, NHL senior vice president of distribution, said, "NHL Center Ice and NHL Network are two great examples of how we super-serve our fans with the NHL content they demand. NHL Center Ice provides opportunities to see games from around the League regardless of location, while NHL Network provides complementary programming that enhances our live game broadcasts with analysis and unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. We are very pleased that Verizon FiOS customers will now have the opportunity to enjoy a full range of NHL TV viewing."

For more information on FiOS TV and additional details on the NHL Center Ice and NHL Network packages, consumers can visit www.verizon.com/fiostv or call their local Verizon sales office at 888-438-3467.