Center Ice has almost no Canadian teams broadcasts in 2023-2024

We apologize for how you feel about the limited number of Canadian games available. On the other hand, you are right, that the broadcasters decide the content they air for the multitude. DIRECTV appreciates your understanding. Gabriel, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Support is correct, they have no jurisdiction over what is broadcast by the NHL Center Ice subscription. Contact NHL and express your concern. 

Thank you for your responses. But these broadcasts do exist. ESPN+ app has them - from both teams. But Center Ice does not. 

I also received a follow up call from the support supervisor who confirmed that Canadian teams broadcasts are not in the channel lineup for the upcoming games that could be looked up (about 2 weeks ahead), and that it is how DTV got the licensed package.

Given that the Canadian teams' broadcasts existed in the channel lineup for almost all games up to last season, when they dropped dramatically, and almost disappeared this season, the most likely reason to me appears to be that these broadcasts are no longer economical for DTV to license. But it doesn't really matter why - it is obvious that ESPN+ has them and Center Ice doesn't. So going forward Center Ice is no longer a viable option for some fans.

I appreciate getting your honest feedback, opinions and knowledge on how things work.

DIRECTV will always be here to resolve your inquiries and assist. From billing to technical troubleshooting, we are just a message away. Thank you for choosing us. Jairo, DIRECTV Community Specialist

@redbeer says (in part): 

" But these broadcasts do exist. ESPN+ app has them - from both teams. But Center Ice does not."

My suspicion is that ESPN/ABC may have negotiated exclusive rights to show Rogers/TSN broadcasts in the US.  Note that in a lot of cases the local RSNs don't even bother to broadcast ESPN or TNT games either.  It's a pain when you want to listen to *your* guys.  Particularly at playoff time, Over the years, I always preferred CBC's coverage to either ESPN, Fox or NBC.  These days, not so much as the guys I grew up listening to have all retired (or, in Dave Hodge's or Don Cherry's cases, got fired...).

Yes I noticed and have been wondering why.  Much better broadcasters, they actually call the game instead of talking to hear themselves talk like ESPN Buccigross does 

As to whether the Canadian or US broadcasts are better, I dunno.  30-40 years ago, I'd had said Canadian without a doubt, as nearly all the televised hockey in the Detroit area came from the CBC across the river in Windsor.  That lasted until the broadcasters I grew up with started to retire - Foster and Bill Hewitt, Danny Gallivan, Bob Cole, Jim Robson, Dan Kelly, (Edited per community guidelines) Irvin.  These days, I'd say most of them are pretty even, although it seems like a few guys have developed their own "haters' clubs", like Bucci...

Being a Leafs fan I have noticed the same thing.  I have had Center Ice for over 20 years and I am very disappointed that I now have to endure crybaby and boring announcers (mostly) for the American teams when they play the Leafs.  It almost makes the games unwatchable.  It doesn't sound like this is a Directv issue as ESPN has secured a more proprietary deal with the NHL.  Sorry, DTV, but I will not renew my Center Ice subscription and reluctantly switch to ESPN+.  Does anybody with ESPN+ know if they show replays of all the regional broadcasts?  I know they show replays of the broadcasts that appear on ESPN.  I ask this because I usually record the games on Center Ice and watch them later in the evening because I live in Hawaii and I am not usually in front of the TV in the middle of the afternoon when the games are played.  Anyone who knows this answer I would appreciate a reply.  Thanks!