The Calgary Flames have announced Jon Abbott as their new play-by-play announcer on Sportsnet. Abbott will be joining commentators Kelly Hrudey and Greg Millen, along with host Ryan Leslie. He steps into the role following the departure of longtime Flames broadcaster Rick Ball, who left Sportsnet to join the Chicago Blackhawks.
Abbott brings 24 years of broadcasting experience to the Flames, having covered NHL, CHL, AHL, and World Juniors games. His resume also includes calling games at the World Men’s Hockey Championship and the Olympics. Most recently, Abbott was part of Sportsnet’s regional broadcast team, covering games in Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jon and his family to Calgary. In our search for a play-by-play announcer with Sportsnet, we were highly impressed with Jon’s broadcast skills, his experience, and his industry reputation,” said Robert Hayes, President and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC). Abbott expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to share those moments in real-time and also provide some background on these Calgary Flames players, telling stories along the way.”
Jon Abbott
Abbott joins the Flames during an exciting period as the team embarks on the early stages of a rebuild. He will have the opportunity to witness the development of the next generation of Flames players, who could become key pieces of the team’s future.
The Flames are undergoing significant changes, and fans are eager to see how management handles the rebuild in the coming years as more prospects join the system. With a new arena on the horizon and a youthful roster taking shape, there’s a sense of excitement for the future. The Flames will kick off the 2024-2025 season on October 9th against the Vancouver Canucks.
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