A staple in Canadian broadcasting is retiring.
Rogers Sports and Media announced that Jim Hughson is retiring after a 42-year career in the industry. Hughson called his first hockey game in 1979 and has been the voice of the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and national hockey broadcasts on Hockey Night in Canada. The writing was on the wall after reports surfaced that he would not be returning to the Sportsnet booth.
“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 has been on the mic for a dozen Stanley Cup Finals and the men’s hockey tournament at both the 2006 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games. He was also a contributor on the Toronto Blue Jays broadcast team during their 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 amassed quite the trophy cabinet during his run. The Hockey Hall of Fame awarded Hughson the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2019, honoring his contributions as a hockey broadcaster. He is also a four-time Best Sports Play-by-Play Announcer recipient at the Canadian Screen Awards.
“It’s been an honor, privilege, and pleasure to join Canadian hockey fans in watching so many fantastic games over the years,” Hughson added. “I look forward to continuing watching together, but from the same side of the television.”