CBC/Radio-Canada announces return of Hockey Night in Canada in PWHL partnership

But instead of six-plus months of NHL action, the longest-running sports program in the world will air eight prime time Professional Women’s Hockey League games on Saturday nights, the CBC announced Monday morning.

Beginning Dec. 5, with the defending Walter Cup champion Montreal Victoire hosting Hamilton’s expansion team, HNIC will provide comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-game panel analysis and accompanying digital content on CBCSports.ca and social media.

On June 16, the CBC announced it would no longer broadcast NHL games after it and national rights-holder Rogers Sportsnet were unable to come to agreement on a new sublicensing deal.

Canada’s national public broadcaster retained the Hockey Night in Canada trademark should it wish to incorporate the brand into future coverage.

Brianne Jenner on the return of Hockey Night in Canada featuring the PWHL