SECAUCUS, N.J. -- NHL Network™ today announced that its longest-running signature show, NHL Tonight™, will celebrate its 5,000th episode on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. ET. The milestone marks 5,000 episodes since the program began broadcasting from NHL Network’s Secaucus, N.J., studios in October 2015.
'NHL Tonight' to celebrate 5,000th episode on Oct. 27
NHL Network's longest-running signature show will commemorate occasion with four-hour special
The four-hour special will be anchored by original members of NHL Network’s Secaucus-based team: Jamison Coyle, Tony Luftman, Mike Johnson, Mike Rupp and Kevin Weekes. Along with the show’s customary in-depth analysis and live game look-ins, the program will revisit memorable moments from its first 11 seasons in Secaucus and will feature special guests.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, NHL Tonight: First Shift with E.J. Hradek and Michael Del Zotto will air at 4 p.m. ET, followed by NHL Now with Kathryn Tappen, Brian Boyle and Nate Thompson at 5 p.m. ET -- all paying tribute to the NHL Tonight milestone.
“Reaching 5,000 episodes is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the passion, expertise and commitment of everyone who has brought NHL Tonight to life through the years,” said David Proper, Chief Media Officer, NHL. “As the game has evolved, so too has the way it is covered, and NHL Tonight has continued to provide fans with insightful analysis, compelling storytelling and an authentic connection to the game. We congratulate everyone who has helped make the program a cornerstone of NHL Network and look forward to the next chapter of its success.”
NHL Network hosts and analysts reflected on the milestone:
• Jamison Coyle: “From the first puck drop of NHL Tonight in Secaucus to now, we’ve had a front-row seat to the greatest players, games and moments this sport has to offer. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to tell those stories every night. This show is the best, and I’m grateful for every minute of it. I look forward to the next 5,000 shows.”
• Mike Johnson: “I have been fortunate to spend a lot of time at NHL Network over the years and a lot of nights on NHL Tonight, which is always enjoyable. We get to have fun talking hockey on every show, but the best part has always been the people. Over time, the hosts, analysts, producers and crew have become friends, and coming down to NHL Network has always been a little bit like walking back into the locker room for me.”
• Tony Luftman: “Everyone at NHL Network loves the game, and reaching 5,000 shows in Secaucus is a special milestone because of the way the program has been received. Over the years, every interaction I’ve had with viewers of NHL Tonight has been positive — fans, League executives, players and coaches all say the same thing: ‘The game deserves to be covered the way you all cover it.’”
• Mike Rupp: “I’m very honored to be part of our phenomenal group of people here at NHL Network and to play a small role in bringing the stories of a game I love to fans on NHL Tonight. Whether we're in the studio ripping around the league night after night or on site for the Stanley Cup Final, watching the most iconic trophy in sports be awarded, it's pretty special to be a part of it.”
• Kevin Weekes: “NHL Tonight captures the moments that define the game — debuts, first goals, career milestones, iconic plays and the pursuit of the Stanley Cup. Showcasing the most talented players on the planet for hockey fans around the world is both fun and thrilling. Our staff, on and off camera, love the game and love working together. Here’s to the next 5,000. Let’s go!”
NHL Tonight originates nightly from “The Rink,” a redesigned 1,200-square-foot studio featuring a fan cave-inspired look, 14-foot walls etched with the names of 10 Stanley Cup championship teams and 30-foot ceiling arches inspired by historic ice houses. A 20-foot-wide LED display spans the back wall, showcasing arena footage and graphics tailored to the show’s content.
Now in its 12th season broadcasting from Secaucus, N.J., NHL Network serves as the television home of the NHL, providing year-round studio programming, expert analysis and interviews. In 2016, NHL Tonight won its first Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Post-Produced Graphic Design for its show open. The program also provides coverage surrounding the NHL All-Star Game, NHL Stadium Series, Stanley Cup Playoffs, Stanley Cup Final, Hockey Hall of Fame, World Junior Championship, NHL Draft, Patty Kazmaier Award, Hobey Baker Award, Trade Deadline Day and Free Agency.
A look at NHL Tonight by the numbers since the program began broadcasting from Secaucus, N.J. can be found here.
