If you are a hockey fan and have DirecTV you will be pleased to hear that DirecTV just added the NHL channel to their lineup in both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD). To get the new channel you need have the DirecTV Choice Xtra package or a better package. You can also get the NHL network if you have a subscription to DirecTV center ice.

Over the past few months DirecTV has really been improving their HD Lineup (shooting for 100 channels in HD by the years end) as well as their sports channel lineup. The addition of the new NHL center ice package is no surprise considering there is already an NFL network.

The new NHL Network channel is available on channel 215 and has 24 hour coverage of the NHL and ice hockey in general. The channel also has hockey news, highlights and special events. I think that this is a great addition to the sports lineup on DirecTV – you can never have enough sports channels.