The 2015 Winter Classic coverage will not be quite the same this season as HBO has decided against producing a 24/7 series for this season’s Winter Classic.
HBO’s 24/7 series leading up to the Winter Classic began with the initial NHL Winter Classic back in 2011. Cameras and a crew followed around both Winter Classic teams, and featured an incredible behind the scenes look at what the NHL teams go through during the season and leading up to such a big event.
The action became a bit more opaque last season, however, as Red Wings coach Mike Babcock and Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle denied access to their locker rooms during intermissions. This type of coverage had been expected, by both fans and HBO, and all were disappointed with it not being included. HBO did not disclose exactly what their reasoning was for not pursuing the 2015 Winter Classic. However, one might think that last year’s issues had something to do with it.
An HBO spokesperson issued a statement yesterday, though, and it comes courtesy of Puck Daddy:
“Everybody at HBO enjoyed working with the NHL and its teams on ‘24/7’ the past four years. It was an exciting endeavor and we’re very proud of the never-before-seen presentation of the world of hockey that ‘24/7’ was able to capture,” said Ray Stallone, a spokesman for HBO.
“There was never an expectation that HBO would chronicle the lead-up to the Winter Classic every year. So we will not be involved with the NHL this season. We wish the NHL the very best and the door will always remain open.”
The news was originally broken by Greg Brady and FAN 950 Radio. His tweets break the news, but couldn’t confirm whether or not the lack of access last season had anything to do with it.
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The question remains as to whether the NHL its own NHL Network would be interested in producing a similar behind the scenes show. The first few seasons were met with good reception. Much of that only changed when the highly anticipated Detroit/Toronto series turned out to be much less interesting than many had hoped.
The 2015 NHL Winter Classic will feature the Chicago Blackhawks visiting the Washington Capitals. The game will be played at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
