Jon Abbott employed as new TV play-by-play voice of Flames

Jon Abbott will probably be calling the motion from the published sales space on the Saddledome — and different rinks across the league — as the brand new play-by-play voice for Calgary Flames regional telecasts on Sportsnet.

Abbott was employed Monday because the successor to Rick Ball, who made a transfer earlier this summer time to Chicago.

“Our household is extremely grateful for the chance to hitch the @Sportsnet workforce and excited to change into a part of the published crew protecting the Flames,” he wrote on X. “We are able to’t wait to name Alberta residence! Flames followers, is it October but?!”

The brand new man has practically 25 years of expertise behind the mic, together with NHL stints in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa, the place he was most not too long ago a part of the Senators telecasts.

His resume can also be highlighted by assignments to cowl the Olympics and IIHF occasions.

“The hockey world is a small one and sometimes gives full-circle moments,” Abbott stated in Monday’s announcement. “Rising up in Aylmer, Ont., my minor hockey workforce was named the Flames due to funding offered by a former proprietor of the Calgary Flames, the late Harley Hotchkiss.

“Mr. Hotchkiss was from the neighbouring group of Tillsonburg and, simply because the Flames possession continues to do at the moment, he at all times supported his group by way of his love for the sport.

“It’s an honour to hitch each the Sportsnet and Flames households over 30 years later, and I look ahead to a few years of nice hockey recollections in Calgary.”

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Abbott will work alongside Kelly Hrudey and Greg Miller as color analysts and Ryan Leslie as host.

“Jon Abbott is a implausible addition to the Flames on Sportsnet broadcast sales space, particularly as we start our new 11-year regional broadcast partnership with Calgary,” stated Rob Corte, vice-president of Sportsnet and NHL Manufacturing, in Monday’s launch. “His ardour for hockey and this business is infectious. Sportsnet is proud and excited to have Jon, Kelly, Greg and Ryan deliver all the nice motion of a brand new season to Flames followers.”

Added Robert Hayes, president and CEO of Calgary Sports activities and Leisure Company: “Taking part within the seek for a play-by-play particular person with our companion Sportsnet, we have been very impressed with Jon’s broadcast, his resume and his popularity inside the business.

“Not solely will Jon be a wonderful addition to the published workforce, however he may even be an embraced member within the Calgary group. Together with Flames followers, we look ahead to the vitality and keenness he’ll ship in his play-by-play name this winter and for a lot of seasons to come back.”

The Flames open coaching camp in mid-September. Recreation 1 of 82 is about for Oct. 9 in opposition to the Canucks in Vancouver.

wgilbertson@postmedia.com

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