Ducks, Kings offer views on Rinkside View

The Ducks and Kings have been hearing from a lot of fans who are unhappy with FSN West and Prime Ticket's experimental Rinkside View telecasts.

While shots from the robotic cameras and unique vantage points can be entertaining if seen on an occasional basis, they don't work for the entire telecast. The quick cuts and whipping effects used by producers also have caused concern among hockey fans, who make up in passion what they might lack in raw numbers.

FSN West executives said Thursday that they will try a hybrid telecast using Rinkside View and traditional angles during Sunday's Kings-Ducks game. They also requested feedback from fans and said they'd plan future Rinkside View games according to what fans say about Sunday's broadcast.

Spokesmen for the local hockey teams said they're happy the powers-that-be at FSN West are flexible and will try to produce broadcasts that please a wider audience. With the economy hurting box office sales, TV will become an increasingly important connection for both teams to their fans. The last thing they need are telecasts that alienate customers.

"We applaud Fox for not only trying something new with Rinkside View but showing a willingness to make changes based on feedback from our fans," said Mike Altieri, the Kings' vice president of communications and broadcasting.

Aaron Teats, the Ducks' director of broadcasting, had a similar reaction.

"This is much appreciated for us because it's really, really important to us that our fans can watch a telecast that's powerful and that they can enjoy," he said. "We're happy they will be making changes and we're eager to get closer to something fans can appreciate and look forward to in the future."

-- Helene Elliott

Photo: Dallas Stars defenseman Trevor Daley, left, dives for the puck against Kings defenseman Jarret Stoll during a Tuesday night game at the Staples Center. Credit: Chris Carlson / Associated Press