Hockey

HNIC offers Habs-Leafs in 3D

Hockey Night in Canada is set to embark on a new venture in broadcasting, presenting the Montreal Canadiens visiting their archrivals from Toronto in 3D on Dec. 11 (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 7 p.m. ET).

OK, folks. It's time to purchase that 3D-ready television this weekend along with some glasses and popcorn, and get ready to take in some … hockey?

Yes, Hockey Night in Canada is set to embark on a new venture in broadcasting, presenting the Montreal Canadiens visiting their archrivals from Toronto in 3D on Dec. 11 (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 7 p.m. ET).

The Canadian-first broadcast will be available free to Bell TV subscribers on Channel 1933 (satellite TV) and on Channel 1208 (Fibe TV). Shaw Direct subscribers can tune to Channel 233/333 (Classic/Advanced) along with those with Telus Optik TV (656), Telus Satellite TV (1933) and Videotron (800).

Viewers should contact their local TV service provider for more information.

The Dec. 11 pre-game show will include the first in a series of six new videos from internationally acclaimed DJ Steve Porter. A look at the storied rivalry of the Canadiens and Maple Leafs will kick off the series.

Vancouver hosts Steven Stamkos and his Tampa Bay Lightning teammates form the back end of the HNIC doubleheader, when former Canucks captain Markus Naslund will be honoured, starting at 10 p.m. ET. The game is scheduled to begin at 10:30 p.m. ET.

On Sept. 29, the CBC and Panasonic Canada announced it would bring the first 3D broadcast of HNIC to Canadian homes.

The second 3D broadcast available during the 2010-11 NHL season is scheduled for Feb. 20 at McMahon Stadium in Calgary,where the Flames will host Montreal in the Heritage Classic.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Doug Harrison has covered the professional and amateur scene as a senior writer for CBC Sports since 2003. Previously, the Burlington, Ont., native covered the NHL and other leagues for Faceoff.com. Follow the award-winning journalist @harrisoncbc