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Kelly Hrudey will not return to Sportsnet broadcasts

By Michael Menzies

Aug 6, 2026, 14:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 6, 2026, 13:55 EDT

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There will be at least one familiar face who will not return to Rogers hockey broadcasts in the upcoming season.

Kelly Hrudey revealed in a social media post on Wednesday evening that his contract was not renewed. Hrudey has been part of Hockey Night in Canada and Rogers essentially since his playing career ended in 1998. Many viewers will remember his “Behind the Mask” segment.

For over a decade, Hrudey has been a key part of the Calgary Flames broadcast, doing colour commentary with Rick Ball and Jon Abbott. This will be yet another sports broadcasting change for the Edmonton Oilers’ rival.

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11:07 PM · Aug 5, 2026

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“I look back and I thank you for the viewer, you may have hated me or loved me,” said Hrudey in his message. “I’m OK with either. But I also think of all my friends. You weren’t a co-worker to me, you were a friend.”

“By the way, this is not a retirement … I’m so excited for Act Three.”

Rogers hasn’t officially announced its broadcast teams for the season yet. There’s been speculation of more potential changes coming to the panel, with some wondering whether Ron MacLean will be back in the fold as the main host.

Hrudey hails from Edmonton and carved out a long NHL career after being drafted 38th overall by the New York Islanders in 1980, joining the team at the tail end of their dynasty. He spent parts of six seasons with the Isles before being dealt to the Los Angeles Kings, where he had his best team success once Wayne Gretzky joined. They made a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1993, but lost to the Montreal Canadiens.

He finished his career with the San Jose Sharks for his last two seasons.

Broadcasts are already changing for Canadian hockey fans. Wednesday Night Hockey was bought by Prime Video.

Michael Menzies is an Oilersnation columnist and co-host of PreGaming and Oilersnation After Dark. He’s also been the play-by-play voice of the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the AJHL since 2019. With seven years of news experience as the Editor-at-Large of Lakeland Connect in Bonnyville, Menzies collects vinyl, books, and stomach issues. Follow him on X at Menzies_4.

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