Sportsnet announced that play-by-play man Jim Hughson has retired after 42 years in the business. Hughson has been part of the Hockey Night in Canada coverage and the lead play-by-play man.
After 42 years, Hall of Fame PxP commentator Jim Hughson has announced his retirement from broadcasting.
As one of Canada's iconic hockey voices, Jim leaves a lasting legacy at @Sportsnet & across the entire broadcasting industry.
Thank you Jim! 💫
➡️ https://t.co/pbFrpF43Ko pic.twitter.com/JS17MzGWWD
— Sportsnet PR (@SportsnetPR) September 21, 2021
Jim Hughson Retires
Hughson started his career in 1979 and called games at various levels through the hockey pyramid. He’s been the main play-by-play man for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks. Hughson called just Canucks home games last season and was announced he wouldn’t call any games this season.
The Fort St. John, British Columbia native has called a dozen Stanley Cup Finals and did the men’s hockey tournaments at the Winter Olympics in 2006 and 2014. He also called Toronto Blue Jays games, which included their 1992 and 1993 World Series runs.
Hughson was also the voice of EA Sports’ NHL video games for many years. He provided play-by-play for the game from 1997 to 2009, when he was replaced by Gary Thorne. Hughson also voiced the Triple Play Baseball series of games for the developer from 1997 to 2001. He was joined by his Blue Jays broadcast partner Buck Martinez.
“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,” said Hughson in a statement. “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.”
What it Means
The Hall of Fame broadcaster retires after working for CTV, TSN and Sportsnet. Chris Cuthbert has been the lead play-by-play voice since his signing last season.
Hughson’s enthusiasm for the game will be what many remember him for. In 2019, the Hockey Hall of Fame awarded Hughson the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award to honour his outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster. He is also a four-time Canadian Screen Awards winner for Best Sports Play-by-Play Announcer.
