For more than 30 years, Ron MacLean has been a cornerstone of Hockey Night in Canada, and today Sportsnet announced he is returning to host hockey’s biggest night alongside David Amber.
MacLean will host Game 1 on Saturday nights with Amber hosting Game 2, and together they will guide Canadians through all of Hockey Night in Canada’s memorable moments and greatest stories.
MacLean will continue to host Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry in the first intermission of Game 1. Following his hosting duties on Saturday nights, MacLean will head out to 24 communities across the country to host Rogers Hometown Hockey with Tara Slone on Sundays throughout the season.
“The impact Ron has had on the game and in communities across the country is immeasurable. Hockey fans, young and old, have a deep connection with him,” said Scott Moore, President of Sportsnet & NHL Properties, Rogers. “David is one of the top sports broadcasters in North America, with a long and impressive resume from both sides of the border. He’s earned this coveted role. With Ron and David at the helm, it’s the perfect mix for hockey’s biggest night.”
Amber has been a reporter with Hockey Night in Canada for the past five years. He has nearly 20 years of sports broadcast experience in both Canada and the U.S., including eight years as anchor and reporter with ESPN, as well as covering four Olympic Games and a two-year stint hosting NHL On The Fly.
“Hockey Night in Canada is a tradition unlike anything else in this country. It’s part of our national DNA, and so is Ron. It’s a balance of giving our fans what they want and evolving the broadcasts to keep them fresh,” said Moore.
After hosting Hockey Night in Canada for the past two seasons, George Stroumboulopoulos will depart the company to explore new creative opportunities.
“George is an extremely versatile and creative broadcaster and we value the contributions he made to Hockey Night in Canada. We look forward to seeing what his next great project will be,” said Moore.
“We are continually evaluating and evolving our broadcasts to deliver the best experience for fans.”
Panelists Elliotte Friedman, Kelly Hrudey, and Nick Kypreos join MacLean and Amber in-studio Saturday nights. Daren Millard continues to host Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey, alongside panelists Friedman and Doug MacLean.
“As part of our evolution, we will deliver more consistency each night of the week for our national NHL broadcasts. When fans tune in, they will know who they are going to see,” said Moore.
(Sportsnet PR)
NOTE: Rogers has also let it be known Glenn Healy, PJ Stock, Corey Hirsch, Leah Hextall, Chantal Desjardins and Billy Jaffe have also been let go.
7 comments:
Took two years to right a wrong!
Can't help but wonder what Bettman thinks of this. Wasn't he the one pushing for McLean to get bumped?
Scott
They lost me this year as an avid NHL lifetime fan of 40 years. But I'll be back with Ron hosting next season yet again.
I can't believe it but the stupid S.O.B. that decided two years ago to replace McLean with George Alphabet probably makes $5,000,000 a year, and if they canned him over that stupid decision there was a couple of million dollars severance pay.
The whole world is screwed when the suits make the decisions.
I don't know if I'm happier over the fact Ron is back or Healy is gone.
Good riddance!! Maybe now George's little brother can get his suits back!
Rest of the housecleaning also great news.
Agree with comment about Healy gone, he was painful to listen too!
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