Classic Alumni game to be televised in U.S., Canada

NEW YORK, NY --  For the first time, fans throughout North America will be able to enjoy live broadcast coverage of the Molson Canadian 2012 NHL Winter Classic® Alumni Game when Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers legends meet outdoors at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 1 p.m., ET. A reunion of celebrated names in the proud histories of both franchises, the game will be broadcast live on VERSUS in the United States; CBC in Canada and Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia in the Philadelphia area. MSG Network will show the game on a tape delay in the New York area at 4 p.m. E.T p.m.

In partnership between the NHL® and its broadcast partners, there will be one broadcast, using talent across all networks. CSN Philadelphia's Jim Jackson will handle the play-by-play, CBC contributor and NHL Network's Kevin Weekes will serve as analyst and MSG's Al Trautwig will report on the Rangers' bench while CSN Philadelphia's Steve Coates will handle the Flyers'.  

NHL Network will provide a comprehensive look of the event post-game across the U.S. and Canada with its Molson Canadian 2012 NHL Winter Classic® Alumni Game Recap show from 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET.

In the lead-up to the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, former New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers greats will take to the ice at Citizens Bank Park™. Currently, 59 former players and coaches are scheduled to participate in the celebration of this legendary rivalry in this unique outdoor setting. Those set to return for the Flyers include Bob Clarke, Eric Lindros, John LeClair, Mark Howe, Jeremy Roenick, and Reggie Leach. Pat Quinn, whose tenure as Flyers head coach included an NHL-record, 35-game unbeaten streak in 1979-80, will direct the Philadelphia bench. Mike Keenan, who coached both teams and guided the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup® in 54 years in 1993-94, will coach a Rangers alumni roster that is expected to include Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Adam Graves, Ron Duguay, Dave Maloney and Mike Gartner.

Molson Canadian has secured title sponsorship of the alumni game in addition to hosting the Molson Canadian Hockey House at the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic® Spectator Plaza, deepening the brand's multi-year partnership as the Official Imported Beer of the NHL®.