Hockey fans who subscribe to AT&T U-Verse and were hoping to catch all the preseason minutiae on the NHL Network were out of luck this weekend. Due to an impasse between the channel and TV provider, the network is unavailable in the crucial days leading up to the start of the regular season.

Reuters relays AT&T’s finger-pointing message it sent to subscribers:

“We have tried to reach a fair, long-term deal with NHL Network in order to continue delivering this channel to U-verse TV U450 and Sports Tier customers.

“Unfortunately, it appears that as of midnight EST, October 1, NHL Network will no longer be available on U-verse TV because we will no longer have an acceptable agreement to carry the channel. We are always open to considering a fair and detailed proposal from NHL Network.”

AT&T is using this site to convince viewers it’s looking out for them by refusing to agree to whatever terms the NHL network wants. The NHL Network had no statement for readers in the story or its site.

AT&T removes NHL Network from U-verse channel lineup [Reuters]

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