TORONTO — Sportsnet announced today award-winning play-by-play hockey commentator Jim Hughson is retiring from sports broadcasting after a 42-year career, which included stints at Sportsnet, CBC and TSN.
“It’s been a fantastic run and I’d like to thank Sportsnet, Hockey Night in Canada and all my friends and colleagues over the years for the tremendous support and countless memories,” Hughson said in a press release.
“This is a decision I made in consultation with my family and I’m very much at peace with it. My only goal in this industry was to work at the highest level and on the last day of the season. I’ve had that opportunity a number of times and will always be grateful for it.”
Hughson called his first hockey game on radio in 1979, and has become one of Canada’s most notable voices in hockey broadcasting. He has covered NHL, OHL and CHL games and has been the voice of the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs as well as national broadcasts on Hockey Night in Canada, first at the CBC and then Sportsnet after Rogers acquired the NHL broadcasting rights in Canada.
“Jim is one of the best this business has ever seen,” said Rob Corte, vice-president of Sportsnet and NHL production. “Whether on TV, radio or in video games, for many he has been their soundtrack of hockey.”
“I respect his decision to step back and spend more time with family but he is going to be missed by us at Sportsnet, the entire broadcasting industry, his colleagues and his many fans,” Corte said.
Hughson is also known for his time at TSN where he called Major League Baseball games and was part of the Blue Jays broadcast crew during the team’s championship runs in 1992 and 1993.
“Jim ranks amongst the greatest play-by-play announcers of all-time,” said Bart Yabsley, president of Sportsnet.
“His contributions to the sport of hockey in this country have been immense. He has brought tremendous passion, knowledge, grace and care to every single game he’s called, which is a testament to his longevity in this business. He is leaving behind incredibly big shoes to fill after a legendary career.”
Hughson has won four Canadian Screen Awards for best sports play-by-play announcer. In 2019, he was awarded the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award by the Hockey Hall of Fame to honour his outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster.
“It’s been an honour, privilege and pleasure to join Canadian hockey fans in watching so many fantastic games over the years,” Hughson said. “I look forward to continuing watching together, but from the same side of the television.”
Sportsnet says its full national NHL broadcast team will be announced in the coming weeks.
Image borrowed from Sportsnet’s Twitter account.
