Hockey helped Quebecor’s media operations post a “marked improvement” in profitability in the second quarter of 2017.

According to quarterly financial results released Thursday, the media division grew its operating income by $8.4 million in the second quarter, a  121.7%) increase compared to the same period in 2016. Adjusted operating income was $15.3 million in Q2 2017 compared with $6.9 million last year.

That growth was led largely by higher advertising and subscription revenues at TVA Sports and TVA Network. TVA Sports benefited from a strong Canadian presence in the NHL Playoffs, posting the best Quebec ratings since 2008 for the Stanley Cup finals. Overall, the finals attracted an average total audience of 962,000 and a 36.6% market share.

Quebecor’s OTT service, Club Illico, also posted year-over-year gains in the second quarter. Subscriptions to the service were up by 4% (13,100) over the same period last year.

Overall, Quebecor’s net income rose to $175.7 million in Q2 2017, up from $25.2 million for the same three months in 2016.

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