Criticism isn't mutually exclusive. BTN isn't beyond criticism when it comes to hockey, I recognize that. But they do show a majority of their conference games on a medium that a large number of sports fans in this country have. And I do understand that other sports largely subsidize the Big Ten's ability to do that.
I am genuinely not trying to be a jerk about this, nor am I trying to rip on the NCHC. Jim was actually pretty fantastic about addressing my questions, clarifying some bad info I got elsewhere, and listening to my criticism/feedback on Twitter concerning this. Props to him and the conference for that.
And to a large extent he said he agrees that UMN vs UMD and UMN vs UND should be on TV, but its beyond the conference's control. FSN wouldn't pick up the Ice Breaker and UND controls rights to the games in Grand Forks. Hopefully a deal is worked out where those games do get picked up and shown nationally somehow.
And FYI - I worded my criticism of the stream poorly. My criticism isn't in regards to quality of the stream or broadcast team, but accessibility. It's still a paid stream and won't reach nearly as many viewers as TV will.
I just think these games, and the NCHC as a whole, deserve better. And that is a compliment to the conference, not a knock on it. I'd like to watch more College hockey, enjoy watching SCSU and UMD as well as the Gophers, but don't want to dish out for another streaming package. Wish they would work out a way to get more games on TV.
