While many Canadians were processing the news that CBC would stop airing NHL games, Regina entrepreneur Kyle Moffatt remained focused on his business, Sticks & Doodles. The store specializes in handcrafted wooden signs and ornaments, including licensed Hockey Night in Canada merchandise. Moffatt, who partners with his wife in the business, was unaware of the broadcasting deal’s end until he noticed a surge in online orders for Hockey Night in Canada items. Typically selling two $200 signs per week, Sticks & Doodles sold three in a single day following the announcement. CBC confirmed that the Hockey Night in Canada brand would still be theirs, prompting Moffatt to increase production of related merchandise, as they are experiencing heightened customer interest, especially around Father’s Day.
Why It Matters
The end of CBC’s NHL broadcasting marks a significant shift in Canadian sports media, as the network has been synonymous with hockey culture for decades. Established in 1952, Hockey Night in Canada has been a staple of Saturday night viewing for generations, fostering family traditions and community connections around the sport. As CBC retains the Hockey Night in Canada brand, businesses like Sticks & Doodles can still capitalize on the nostalgia associated with the franchise, reflecting the ongoing emotional ties Canadians have to their hockey heritage. The transition underscores the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting in Canada, with implications for how fans engage with hockey in the future.
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