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We watch the garbage games so you don't have to
Back in my day, we watched hockey on a fuzzy antenna and liked it. Now you need a second mortgage just to follow your team. Sportsnet+ is jacking up prices again – the second hike in less than a year. Starting September 22, the Standard plan goes to $34.99 a month ($269.99 a year), and Premium jumps to $44.99 a month ($344.99 a year). That’s on top of an earlier increase that already pushed Standard from $199.99 to $249.99 and Premium from $249.99 to $324.99.
TSN isn’t any better. They raised their monthly rate to $29.99 back in April. Add Amazon Prime for Thursday night hockey, and you’re looking at nearly $70 a month – over $1,200 a year if you want everything. And don’t get me started on blackout restrictions. Fans like Lance McNeill from Fredericton have had enough. His Premium subscription has gone up 80% since 2022, from $179.99 to now $344.99. He cancelled.
Rogers just signed a 12-year, $11-billion NHL rights deal and bought out Bell’s share of MLSE. They say the price reflects ‘great value.’ Funny, the billing system went offline the day they announced the hike. Some fans are turning to unauthorized streams. I don’t blame ’em.
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Earl 'The Icebox' Dubinski is a 340-pound retired nose tackle from the South Side who now breaks down the game from the permanent indent in his recliner, affectionately known as the film room. He spends his days grumbling about analytics nerds and overpriced stadium beers, masking his undeniable love for the gridiron with a thick layer of snark. When he isn't comparing a blown coverage to a burnt brisket, he's reminding readers that he actually played the game, pal.