XM is now the Exclusive Satellite Radio Carrier of NHL

The National Hockey League and XM recently announced that XM is now the exclusive satellite radio home of the NHL. XM currently broadcasts more than 1,100 NHL games per season to hockey fans across the U.S. and Canada. XM also offers the first and only 24-hour nationwide hockey radio channel, Home Ice—featuring news, commentary, interviews and play-by-play analysis from hockey experts such as Phil Esposito, Bill Clement, Denis Potvin and Gary Green.

XM's first day as the exclusive satellite radio home of the NHL, July 1, fell on the same day as Free Agency Day, the annual start of the free-agency period for NHL players. Home Ice provided round-the-clock coverage of the latest signings and negotiations.

"We are proud and excited about our exclusive partnership with the NHL," said Eric Logan, Executive Vice President, Programming for XM Satellite Radio. "Being able to provide our fans with full access to games, analysis, and overall coverage truly establishes XM as the premier satellite radio destination for hockey fans."

The 2007-08 NHL season will mark XM's third season of NHL coverage and its first season as the exclusive satellite radio provider of the League. XM and the NHL have a long-term broadcast partnership, through 2015. As the exclusive satellite radio partner of the NHL, XM is officially rebranding the Home Ice channel to NHL Home Ice.

"This is a great opportunity for the NHL to reach hockey fans by using this exciting outlet," said John Collins, Senior Executive Vice President, Business and Media, NHL. "Through this partnership, we can take advantage of XM's extensive network coverage to give fans across North America the ability to follow their favorite team and players."

Through its coverage, XM provides hockey fans exclusive access to the action, from the first drop of the puck to the hoisting of the Stanley Cup. XM's year-round carriage of hockey programming includes special events such as the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the NHL All-Star Game and the NHL Awards.

"We are excited with this new partnership, and as the only satellite radio provider to air NHL games, XM will continue to be the premier destination for hockey fans across Canada," said John Bitove, Chairman and CEO of XM Canada. "Not only do we cover the games, but we also deliver up-to-the-second highlights and analysis. No matter where you live, you can catch your favourite team face-off against your rival—know I'll never miss a Battle of Alberta or a Leafs-Habs game again!"

For more information, check out the XM press release.