Algonquin College Speaker Series - David Shoalts

Author David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail sits down to discuss his book Hockey Fight in Canada: How the CBC Lost Control of its Most Iconic Television Program.

In late 2013, Rogers rocked the Canadian television sports landscape when it paid $5.2 billion to secure the national television rights to the National Hockey League for the next 12 years. The amount of money paid was stunning and the agreement became the biggest corporate backroom sports story in Canadian history. At Canada’s national public broadcaster, the repercussions of the CBC losing its most successful TV program was a crushing blow, one that was met with shock and anger by the company’s rank-and-file employees. The deal also led to the ouster of popular Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean, replaced by George Stroumboulopoulos, a move that failed miserably.

In his new book, veteran Globe and Mail sports journalist, David Shoalts, reveals what happened in the backrooms that led to the most fascinating power play in the history of Canadian sports television.

Help us caption & translate this video!

This video was produced before the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It reflects a campus life that is currently altered to ensure the health and safety of our students and employees. We are currently following all protocols as outlined by our public health authorities.