Thomas Drance reveals what’s next in his Canucks coverage
The shocking shutdown of Sportsnet 650 has left a massive void in the Vancouver market.
It’s left Vancouver Canucks fans wondering: how will the city fill the sports radio void? And where will all of Sportsnet 650’s broadcasters end up?
On Friday, one of the city’s most prominent Canucks reporters revealed his plans.
Thomas Drance announced on Friday that he’ll be exclusively joining Don Taylor and Rick Dhaliwal on CHEK’s Donnie and Dhali, twice a week.
I'm proud to announce that I'll be exclusively joining@DonnieandDhali as a contributor for this upcoming season.
Very excited to be joining my pals @DonTaylor5, @RJHenderson7 and @DhaliwalSports twice a week to talk #Canucks on a locally owned outlet in @CHEK_News.
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) September 4, 2026
“CHEK is an outlet that’s by British Columbians and for British Columbians, and that’s vitally important to me, more so than ever after a dreary summer of news for the Vancouver sports media business,” Drance told Daily Hive.
“Thrilled to be working with Donnie and Ryan (and my favourite frenemy Rick Dhaliwal), and I’m excited to get a chance to contribute to what CHEK is building.”
Taylor and Dhaliwal officially launched their podcast back in April of 2021, following the sudden shutdown of TSN 1040 back in February of that year.
Drance also announced on Friday that he had signed a multi-year extension to continue covering the Canucks for The Athletic.
While there have been other whispers and rumours about the futures of Sportsnet 650’s other talent, such as Jason Brough, Mike Halford, Satiar Shah, and Bik Nizzar, none of them have yet to make an announcement.
Donnie and Dhali return from their summer break on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The podcast is streamed live on CHEK’s website and is available on all podcasting platforms shortly after the episode wraps up at noon PT.