Ron MacLean to host Hockey Night in Canada, with David Amber

Newly announced Hockey Night in Canada hosts Ron MacLean and David Amber join Bob McCown and Damien Cox on Prime Time Sports.

Ron MacLean is returning to host Hockey Night in Canada, alongside David Amber, Sportsnet announced Monday.

MacLean will host Game 1 on Saturday nights with Amber hosting Game 2.

MacLean will continue to host Coach’s Corner with Don Cherry in the first intermission of Game 1. Following his hosting duties on Saturday nights, MacLean will head out to 24 communities across the country to host Rogers Hometown Hockey on Sundays throughout the season.

“The impact (MacLean) has had on the game and in communities across the country is immeasurable. Hockey fans, young and old, have a deep connection with him,” said Scott Moore, President of Sportsnet & NHL Properties, Rogers.

Amber has been a reporter with Hockey Night in Canada for the past five years. He has nearly 20 years of sports broadcast experience, including eight years as anchor and reporter with ESPN, as well as covering four Olympic Games and a two-year stint hosting NHL On The Fly. He will also contribute to Saturday’s pre-game show.

“(Amber) is one of the top sports broadcasters in North America, with a long and impressive resume from both sides of the border.” said Moore. “He’s earned this coveted role. With Ron and David at the helm, it’s the perfect mix for hockey’s biggest night.”

After hosting Hockey Night in Canada for the past two seasons, George Stroumboulopoulos will depart the company to explore new creative opportunities.

“(Stroumboulopoulos) is an extremely versatile and creative broadcaster and we value the contributions he made to Hockey Night in Canada. We look forward to seeing what his next great project will be,” said Moore. “We are continually evaluating and evolving our broadcasts to deliver the best experience for fans.”

Panelists Elliotte Friedman, Kelly Hrudey, and Nick Kypreos join MacLean and Amber in-studio Saturday nights. Daren Millard continues to host Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey, alongside panelists Friedman and Doug MacLean.

“As part of our evolution, we will deliver more consistency each night of the week for our national NHL broadcasts. When fans tune in, they will know who they are going to see,” said Moore.

More details regarding Sportsnet’s 2016-17 NHL coverage will be announced in the coming weeks.

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