Ryan Leslie pens heartfelt goodbye to Calgary after leaving Flames job with Sportsnet
The decision to say goodbye to the Calgary Flames organization, players, and fans isn’t one that’s been easy for Ryan Leslie.
Leslie’s lengthy role as Sportsnet’s TV host for the Flames came to an end on Tuesday when it was announced that he’d been hired as the new TV host for the Toronto Maple Leafs beginning this coming season. It’s a big loss for the fans who have grown to love Leslie over the years, and it’s a decision that has left him quite emotional as well.
“Calgary has been home since ‘96. Great friends here,” Leslie wrote in part of a lengthy statement on X. “Great memories here. My beautiful daughters were born here. Thank you both, for your support.”
Not sure how to tackle this so please bare with me …
Calgary has been home since ‘96. Great friends here. Great memories here. My beautiful daughters were born here. Thank you both, for your support.
I love you G & A.— Ryan Leslie (@ryanlesliemedia) August 27, 2025
After taking the time to thank both Sportsnet and his colleagues, as well as the Flames organization, Leslie turned his attention to the many fans he had gained over the years.
“To Flames faithful, you embraced a bald guy over the years,” he said. “Thank you for allowing me into your homes and being so good to me. Awesome interactions online, in person and in the community. Calgary is special. Real special. Players know it. People who live here know it.”
To Flames faithful, U embraced a bald guy over the years. Thank u for allowing me into your homes & being so good to me. Awesome interactions online, in person & in the community.
Calgary is special. Real special. players know it. People who live here know it. I know it
— Ryan Leslie (@ryanlesliemedia) August 27, 2025
This is yet another big blow for Calgary fans regarding media personalities, as last season saw Rick Ball depart as the Flames’ play-by-play announcer and instead join the Chicago Blackhawks. Jon Abbott has since replaced Ball, and it should only be a matter of time before a replacement is named for Leslie.