TORONTO – Veteran sports broadcaster Ron MacLean will replace George Stroumboulopoulos as the main host of Hockey Night in Canada starting next season, Sportsnet confirmed Monday.
Stroumboulopoulos, brought in two years ago when Rogers first announced its monster $5.2 billion, 12-year NHL deal, is leaving the company to explore new creative opportunities, reads the news release. MacLean will host the first game on Saturday nights and former HNIC reporter David Amber (pictured left, with MacLean) will host the second game of the weekly double-header.
MacLean will continue to host Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry in the first intermission of Game 1, and will also continue to host Rogers Hometown Hockey on Sundays throughout the NHL 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, Rogers’ president of Sportsnet & NHL properties, in the release. “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.”
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”, added Moore. “When fans tune in, they will know who they are going to see.”
