J.D. Hired By <i>ABC</i>

John Davidson was hired Tuesday as the studio analyst for ABC's NHL coverage.

Davidson, lead game analyst for Fox before the network's NHL package expired after last season, will work with John Saunders.

"I'm thrilled to be joining ABC," Davidson said. "Now, because ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC are all working together with the NHL, the league will receive more exposure than ever before, which will make hockey the big winner."

ABC begins its first season of a five-year deal on Feb. 6, 2000 with the NHL All-Star Game. The network will also televise four regional regular season games, playoff games and up to five Stanley Cup finals contests.

"John indicated he'd like to do the studio and he seemed like a natural fit," ABC Sports president Howard Katz said. "I think he'll be great at it."

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