Longtime hockey broadcaster Nick Kypreos is leaving Sportsnet

More than 21 years after he helped launch the station, Nick Kypreos has announced that he is leaving Sportsnet.

After a concussion forced him to retire from pro hockey during the 1996-97 season, Kypreos became an analyst for Sportsnet in 1998. Since then, he became one of Sportsnet’s top insiders and a fixture on Hockey Night in Canada since 2014.

“After much consideration, Sportsnet and I have decided to part ways,” the 53-year-old Kypreos said in a statement posted on his personal Twitter account. “I am proud to have been part of our growth since we launched in October of 1998 and thankful they took a chance on me so long ago. I am truly grateful to have had twenty-one years of a post playing career. From covering Sid’s golden goal in Vancouver to a Saturday night seat on Hockey Night in Canada; I could not have asked for more.

“Most of all, I would like to offer a sincere thank you to the hockey fans. Simply put, hockey is nothing without you. I’ve felt your passion since day one.

“My family and I are excited for the projects and adventures that will occupy the next phase of our lives. Until we meet again…Kyper.”

You have been with us since day one – thanks for 20 great years @RealKyper. Statement from @Sportsnet: pic.twitter.com/6GFJwvHsYZ

— Sportsnet PR (@SportsnetPR) August 28, 2019

Also leaving Sportsnet is Doug MacLean, a former NHL coach who had been working with them as a studio analyst for the past decade.

“After covering the greatest game in the world for the past 10 years I won’t be returning to Sportsnet,” MacLean said on Twitter. “Thanks to all hockey fans for your great support. To my colleagues, especially [Nick Kypreos,] thanks for the help and friendships.”

*Update: Steve Simmons is reporting that John Shannon is also on the way out.

There’s been no shortage of longtime sportscasters leaving Sportsnet recently, with anchor Daren Millard and play-by-play man Paul Romanuk each parting ways with the company last year.

Rogers is set to begin the sixth year of their record-breaking 12-year, $5.232 billion NHL national rights deal when the puck drops on the 2019-20 season on October 2.