Fans will be able to watch highlights on cell phones

NEW YORK -- ESPN reached an agreement Monday with the NHL for fans to see highlights on cell phones and games replayed on the network's Classic channel.

The agreement provides video and data rights to ESPN.com as well as to the network's forthcoming mobile phone and broadband services, wireless content licensing business and Spanish-language sports site.

"This deal allows ESPN and the NHL to further extend the game to fans whether they are watching television, logging onto their computer or flipping open their mobile phone,'' ESPN executive John Skipper said.

The sports cable network ended its NHL broadcast plans shortly after the new labor agreement was reached before this season. The NHL signed with Outdoor Life Network, which is trying to broaden its sports base beyond the Tour de France.