Published:
Nick Kypreos, who made the transition from tough guy to talking head at Sportsnet, is leaving his position as hockey analyst with the network after 21 years.
In a summer that has seen many changes of on-air personnel with the principal rights holder of NHL games, Kypreos announced Wednesday he and Sportsnet “after much consideration … have decided to part ways.”
Nick Kypreos
I’d like to issue the following statement.
Doug MacleanAfter covering the greatest game in the world for the past 10 years I won’t be returning to Sportsnet . Thanks to all hockey fans for your great support . To my colleagues, especially @RealKyper thanks for the help and friendships. #pei#florida#golf#book
Kypreos, whose NHL career came to a dramatic halt in a 1997 pre-season game fight when the Maple Leaf winger was clocked by Ranger Ryan VandenBussche, joined Sportsnet the next year.
At first unprepared for TV by his own admission, Kypreos took the long way to his panel seat, taping his segments instead of going live and building up contacts. He was a mainstay of the annual ratings war with TSN on trade deadline day and July 1 free agency, and was a regular on Hockey Night In Canada.
“I am proud to be part of our growth since we launched in October of 1998,” Kypreos said in his tweet. “And thankful they took a chance on me so long ago.”
Well…… This tells me Rogers Sportsnet is losing $$$$ on the NHL Rights…… TSN must be smiling from ear to ear that they did not overpay for the rights….
Losing McCowan, McMclean & Kipper is too bad…their outspoken approach to sports is refreshing.
As GR81 notes, the genuises @ Sportsnet vastly overpaid for the rights..hey genuises, I’ve just cut the cord..cable too expensive..bye bye hockey!