Sportsnet has announced Jon Abbott as the new television play-by-play voice of the NHL’s Calgary Flames.
Abbott — who joins the network after previously working at both TSN and Rogers — will join analysts Kelly Hrudey and Greg Millen in the Flames’ television booth, with host Ryan Leslie continuing to deliver pregame, postgame, and intermission reports.
“The hockey world is a small one and often provides full-circle moments,” said Abbott. “Growing up in Aylmer, ON, my minor hockey team was named the Flames because of funding provided by a former owner of the Calgary Flames, the late Harley Hotchkiss. Mr. Hotchkiss was from the neighbouring community of Tillsonburg, and just as the Flames ownership continues to do today, he always supported his community through his love for the game. It is an honour to join both the Sportsnet and Flames families over 30 years later, and I look forward to many years of great hockey memories in Calgary.”
Abbott has more than 24 years of experience after working at previous NHL stints in Toronto, Vancouver, and most recently calling select games for the Ottawa Senators.
“Jon Abbott is a fantastic addition to the Flames on Sportsnet broadcast booth, especially as we begin our new 11-year regional broadcast partnership with Calgary,” said Rob Corte, VP of Sportsnet and NHL Production. “His passion for hockey and this industry is infectious. Sportsnet is proud and excited to have Jon, Kelly, Greg, and Ryan bring all the great action of a new season to Flames fans.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Jon and his family to Calgary,” added Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation President and CEO Robert Hayes. “Participating in the search for a play-by-play person with our partner Sportsnet, we were very impressed with Jon’s broadcast, his resume, and his reputation within the industry. Not only will Jon be an excellent addition to the broadcast team, but he will also be an embraced member in the Calgary community. Along with Flames fans, we look forward to the energy and passion he will deliver in his play-by-play call this winter and for many seasons to come.”
