The NHL’s return to ESPN is nothing short of awesome, and having retired NHL referee Dave Jackson serving as the network’s on-air rules analyst solidifies that statement. Jackson, a Montreal native who lives in Highlands Ranch, will work 3-5 games per week from either his home, an ESPN studio in Bristol, Conn., or beside the NHL’s situation room in Toronto. He will tell you what the NHL is thinking before a decision on a controversial play is made. “ESPN wants to grow the fanbase, the viewership, and the best way to do that is with an educated fan base, a knowledgable fan base,” Jackson said.