What we are grateful for in hockey in 2021

This Thursday is Thanksgiving, otherwise known in the NHL, “America’s Thanksgiving.” That means it’s time for our annual tradition here: what we’re grateful for in hockey.

Since this was our first time doing it since the NHL’s return to ESPN, we decided to keep it in the family for this edition. Here are some of the voices, analysts, reporters, editors and producers behind our hockey coverage, take a moment to thank them for what they appreciate. games and what the sport has to offer them.

Have a great day off from the hockey team on ESPN!

John Buccigross, host of “The Point”

“I am grateful for all the extras of this great game that have enriched the lives of me and my children. Zamboni drivers, scoreboard operators, referees have been gone all the way through 7am. Saturday morning matches Assistant coach, who couldn’t skate but helped make money at the end of practice and beat an 8-year-old when he got his first toboggan The statistic guy sat next to me while I was calling an NHL game on ESPN. And the moms yelled louder than everyone else in a mostly empty arena. Lie down, hands up. , mom crying. I love you all.”

“There are so many things I’m grateful for. I think the biggest thing right now that I’m grateful for is that the arenas have returned to their full potential and the fans have returned to the venues around the league. That’s it. amazing to have fans back. They are an important part of the soundtrack of the game-to-game experience, the transition to the game. I’m grateful to see them back in the building. As a broadcaster and a former player, having fans in the building makes a huge difference. “