(Rich Arden/ESPN)
EDITOR’S NOTE: Team Russia faces off against Team Finland today at 3 p.m. ET (ESPN) in a game that will determine the tournament fate of Team North America. Team Czech Republic then plays Team USA in prime time at 8 p.m. (ESPN2). Starting Saturday, John Buccigross will host the remaining World Cup of Hockey studio shows through the best-of-three Final beginning Sept. 27.
When ESPN made the decision to cover the World Cup of Hockey 2016 over a year ago it only made sense that experienced hockey voice and SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn would be named as a host for the tournament studio coverage alongside analysts and Hall of Famers Brett Hull and Chris Chelios.
During her 24-year tenure at ESPN, she has hosted National Hockey Night, ESPN2’s NHL 2Night and more than 5,000 SportsCenter episodes.
ESPN’s World Cup of Hockey Team:
“Our talent team – both in the Bristol studio and in Toronto – has been fantastic. Everyone completely bought into the project from our very first meeting and has worked together very well. Our studio team is so passionate about the sport. Linda Cohn, Adnan Virk and John Buccigross love the game so much and it shows. Having two Hall of Famers and U.S. Hockey legends in Brett Hull and Chris Chelios doesn’t hurt, either. The chemistry they all have developed in a very short time has been remarkable.”
“It means everything to have hockey back on ESPN! I grew up watching and playing the game and my passion for it has never wavered. I’m very grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of our amazing World Cup of Hockey crew,” said Cohn, who shares hosting roles with Adnan Virk and John Buccigross. “I have to pinch myself knowing I’m sharing a set with two Hall of Famers and American hockey heroes Chris Chelios and Brett Hull.”
The role comes easily to Cohn, given her devotion to hockey.
“My daily preparation isn’t extensive mainly because I’m so locked into this event,” said Cohn. “I really like to concentrate on finding ways to bring out the best in Hull and Chelios, but also having some laughs with them as well.”
In addition to the individuals seen on the air, there is a team behind the scenes as well.
Brian Lynch, ESPN’s World Cup of Hockey studio producer said: “We have a terrific team of production and technical people pulled from both event and studio. It has been a really good, committed and creative group putting in long days of work with two games per day for six straight days.”
Lynch, who joined the network nearly 14 years ago, is no stranger to hockey on ESPN.
“I was lucky to support our hockey coverage during my first couple years at ESPN. As a hockey fan from Buffalo, I’ve really missed it. The moment I heard we would have the World Cup, I knew I had to find a way to work on it!”
