Longtime NHL broadcaster Dave Strader passed away this morning following a battle with cancer. He was 62.
Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA) President Mark Spector issued the following statement regarding Strader:
“To those of us fortunate enough to inhabit the press boxes and practice rinks around the National Hockey League, Dave Strader was always a welcome face and calming voice in a hectic hockey world. Whether he was calling games for the Red Wings, Stars, Panthers or Coyotes — or on one of his many national assignments — Dave was someone who transcended the various levels of media. He was as approachable to a young newspaper reporter as he was for a veteran broadcaster, always willing to share lineup information or supply a visiting media member with the news of the day. With those interactions came Dave’s easy smile and trademark sense of humour, even in these last, difficult months when his health betrayed him.
Dave’s earned the nickname “The Voice” for a reason. His call was world class, and we will all miss turning on a game to hear his signature play-by-play. But for most of us, it is that cup of coffee during a morning skate, or the one-liner as we passed during an intermission that will truly be missed.
Godspeed, Dave. On behalf of all PHWA Members, you made the hockey world a better place to be.”
Strader was named winner of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a hockey broadcaster this year and will be recognized at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto as a media honoree during the Hall’s induction weekend Nov. 10-13.
(Photo courtesy: @TheVoiceDS)