Two veterans of Sportsnet’s hockey coverage have announced they are parting ways with the cable network.
Nick Kypreos, who had been with Sportsnet since it launched in 1998, and Doug MacLean, who had been with the broadcaster for 10 years, released statements on Twitter on Wednesday that confirmed they will not be returning for the upcoming NHL season.
Kypreos joined Sportsnet after his eight-season NHL career ended prematurely when he suffered a concussion during a fight in a 1997 pre-season game. His highlights with the broadcaster include covering the final of the men’s hockey final at the Vancouver Olympics, when Canada won gold thanks to Sidney Crosby’s overtime goal against the Americans.
He also earned praise from colleagues for his 2009 exclusive interview with Mike Danton, the former NHL player who served 5 1/2 years in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit murder.
“From covering Sid’s golden goal in Vancouver to a Saturday night seat on Hockey Night in Canada, I could not have asked for more,” Kypreos said in the statement.
I’d like to issue the following statement. <a href=”https://t.co/UXkEYflmvf”>pic.twitter.com/UXkEYflmvf</a>
—@RealKyper
“Most of all, I would like to offer a sincere thank you to the hockey fans. Simply put, hockey is nothing without you.”
In a statement, Sportsnet called Kypreos an “integral part of Sportsnet’s hockey coverage for over 20 years.”
“Over that time, he’s established himself as one of the most trusted and respected names in Canadian sports broadcasting,” the statement continued.
MacLean had an eventful career as an NHL head coach, general manager, and was part of a group that came close to buying the Tampa Bay Lightning, before becoming a sportscaster in 2008.
MacLean and Kypreos were regular panelists on Sportsnet’s Hockey Central television show and were major contributors to Sportsnet’s radio programming.
“Thanks to all hockey fans for your great support,” MacLean posted on Twitter. “To my colleagues, especially @RealKyper thanks for the help and friendships.”
Sportsnet reported that John Shannon, a veteran television producer who became an on-air analyst with the network, would also not return this coming hockey season.
The moves come around two months after Bob McCown left Sportsnet after 30 years hosting popular radio program Prime Time Sports.