Legendary broadcaster Jim Hughson calls it a career
“Finally, after three seasons and 19 playoff games against Chicago, for Vancouver, it’s a wonderful day for an exorcism.”
That’s one of many classic Jim Hughson calls that will forever be ingrained in the minds of Vancouver Canucks fans.
It came after one of the most memorable goals in franchise history, when Alex Burrows gave the Canucks a long-awaited playoff series win over the Blackhawks after losing to Chicago the previous two seasons.
It was the perfect call, and one that many Canucks fans will be thinking about today.
That’s because Hughson has announced his retirement from broadcasting after a legendary 42-year career.
“This is a decision I made in consultation with my family and I’m very much at peace with it,” Hughson said in a statement today.
“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.”
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.
Hughson did work at the highest level as a broadcaster, but he’ll always be held in higher regard here in British Columbia.
Born in Fort St. John in 1956, the 64-year-old spent nearly two decades as the play-by-play man for his home province’s team and now lives with his wife in the Okanagan.
Fun fact: Hughson worked in the Okanagan at Kelowna's CKIQ at the very start of his career, and did play-by-play for the Kelowna Buckaroos, before moving on to bigger and better things in Vancouver.
Even after leaving the Canucks for the national spotlight, Hughson continued to call Canucks games on Hockey Night in Canada and gave those Saturday night games a special feel.
Sportsnet President Bart Yabsley called Jim one of the greatest play-by-play announcer of all time and said he leaves behind some “incredibly big shoes” to fill.
“His contributions to the sport of hockey in this country have been immense,” noted Yabsley.
“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.”
In 2019, the Hockey Hall of Fame awarded Hughson the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award to honour his outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster.
He's also a four-time Canadian Screen Awards winner for Best Sports Play-by-Play Announcer.
We will see who is pegged to fill those big shoes of Hughson when Sportsnet announces its full national NHL broadcast team in the coming weeks.
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