Legendary NHL broadcaster Dave Strader passed away on Sunday at age 62 after a year-long battle with cancer. Strader was known for his work with the Dallas Stars and the Detroit Red Wings. He was a recipient of the Foster Hewitt Award, equivalent to enshrinement in the Hockey Hall of Fame for broadcasters.
It is with sad news that we announce that Dave Strader has passed away this morning at the age of 62. pic.twitter.com/CMlpJAQn01
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) October 1, 2017
Dave Strader Dies at 62
Known as “The Voice,” became the play-by-play announcer for the Dallas Stars during the 2015-16 season. Prior to this, Strader was the television voice of the Detroit Red Wings from 1985 to 1996. Strader also worked for the Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers and calling games for NBC Sportsnet and Versus.
“Everyone who knew him, and everyone who was able to listen to him call games, is saddened to learn about the passing of Dave Strader,” said Stars President and CEO Jim Lites. “His voice is synonymous with hockey to fans all over the globe and he built a connection for so many fans to this game.”
Strader was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a form of bile cancer, following the 2015-16 season. As a result, he was limited to calling just five games for the Stars in the 2016-17 season.
In his return to the Stars broadcasting booth on February 18, Strader was welcomed back with a standing ovation from the Dallas crowd. Stars captain Jamie Benn led the team in a sticks-up salute to Strader following the game.
Sad to hear the news this morning about our friend Dave Strader. Big part of the Dallas Stars family and will truly be missed.
— Jamie Benn (@jamiebenn14) October 1, 2017
Strader began his broadcasting career with the Adirondack Red Wings of the AHL. He was inducted into the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.
Prior to joining the Stars, he called NHL games nationally for NBCSN. He also did broadcasting work at the Winter Olympic Games in 2006 and 2014.
Incredibly sad to hear about the passing of @TheVoiceDS. Iconic in his work but a even better friend. May you rest in peace buddy. pic.twitter.com/Mm60OpkdcL
— Tyler Seguin (@tseguinofficial) October 1, 2017