Sportsnet Hockey analyst Kelly Hrudey announced his contract would not be renewed, ending his 12-year tenure with the broadcaster as he moves onto different ventures.
On Wednesday evening, the hockey world was given the news that Sportsnet analyst Kelly Hrudey would not be returning to the network after they had decided not to renew his contract after twelve years:
On June 19 I was told that my contract would not be renewed for the upcoming season, so big changes in my life. Thank you, the viewer. You might have hated me or loved me - I'm okay with either [chuckles].
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Sportsnet has not explained the decision publicly nor announced a replacement.
Kelly Hrudey says goodbye after 12 years at Sportsnet
Hrudey's tenure with Sportsnet full-time began in 2014 and ran until this season. Prior to that, he helped debut Hockey Night in Canada Radio, and spent decades as an analyst on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada during his playing career if he was available as well as post-retirement.
He spent 15 years in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, and San Jose Sharks where he recorded a 271-265-88 record (677 games) with a 3.43 GAA and .893 SV% and finished in the Top-5 in Vezina voting three times in his career.
Never one to shy away from giving his opinion, Hrudey was a mainstay for fans during intermission and despite his devisive nature - was always seen laughing and smiling, and always listening intently. He also was the Calgary Flames announcer for their regional broadcasts and won a Gemini Award in 2007.
Hrudey is also known for his advocacy of mental health awareness, as he spoke about his issues publicly and has consistently been a voice for not only athlete mental health.
As of now, Hrudey has not made it known what he intends to do post-broadcasting though he did mention that there was going to be an 'Act Three' which implies that he's not done in the hockey world just yet.
Sportsnet now will rely heavily on Elliotte Friedman, Kevin Bieksa, and David Amber to help lead the intermission panels, and the network has not made it publicly known if they intend to replace Hrudey with another analyst or if there are any more changes going forward.
Did you like or dislike Kelly Hrudey on Hockey Night in Canada?
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