The Sportsnet logo is photographed at the Toronto office on Monday, September 30, 2019. Former NHL goaltender turned broadcaster Kelly Hrudey said Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 that his contract wasn't renewed by the company THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin
Republished August 06, 2026 - 1:31 PM
Original Publication Date August 06, 2026 - 9:52 AM
CALGARY — Hockey commentator Kelly Hrudey and Sportsnet have parted company.
Hrudey said in a video on a social media account that Sportsnet didn't renew his contract for the upcoming NHL season.
The former NHL goaltender retired from playing in 1998 and immediately embarked on a broadcasting career.
Hrudey regularly worked on Hockey Night in Canada and Calgary Flames regional game broadcasts.
"On June 19, I was told that my contract was not going to be renewed for the upcoming season, so big changes in my life," Hrudey said in the video.
"I thank you, the viewer. You might have hated me or loved me. I'm OK with either."
The 65-year-old from Edmonton, who lives in Calgary, played 677 NHL games for the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, and reached the Stanley Cup final in 1993 with the Kings.
Hrudey was part of a HNIC studio crew rotation that included Ron MacLean, David Amber, Jennifer Botterill, Kevin Bieksa, Luke Gazdic and Elliotte Friedman.
"Still shocked. Hard to find the right things to say," Friedman wrote in a post on X.
Hrudey said he wasn't retiring, but didn't state his future plans.
Rogers-owned Sportsnet has made changes to its national NHL broadcasts, which will no longer air on CBC.
Rogers and Amazon Prime Video recently announced a 12-year sublicensing agreement that gives Prime Video exclusive rights to Wednesday games and some early-round Stanley Cup playoff games.
Rogers also closed six radio stations in four Canadian cities in July, including sports radio stations in Calgary and Vancouver.
That move came on the heels of Rogers becoming the sole owner of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. The company spent $4.35 billion to buy out the remaining 25 per cent stake from Kilmer Sports Inc.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2026.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2026