Jim Hughson joins Hockey Night in Canada
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 | 5:35 PM ET
CBC Sports
The 48-year old Hughson, who won a Gemini Award in 2004, will be the play-by-play broadcaster for the second game of CBC's Saturday doubleheaders. He will work alongside Greg Millen.
Bob Cole and Harry Neale return to the broadcast booth to handle the announcing duties for Saturday's first game.
Hughson replaces former play-by-play announcer Chris Cuthbert. The CBC terminated Cuthbert's contract in February.
"Our whole team simply cannot wait for October to arrive," stated Joel Darling, executive producer of Hockey Night in Canada. "We are gearing up for an exciting and unforgettable season, and with the addition of Jim to our exceptional broadcast team we will continue to offer the highest quality of hockey television production."
"I've watched Hockey Night in Canada forever and I understand what the institution is and what the history is," Hughson said in a conference call Wednesday. "It's a wonderful opportunity to work on the biggest hockey television show in the world."
The NHL has scheduled 15 games involving all 30 clubs for the opening night of the 2005-06 season on Oct. 5. Hockey Night in Canada returns for its 53rd season on Oct. 8.
Hockey Night in Canada's annual Hockey Day in Canada will be held Jan. 7 with three all-Canadian matchups: Ottawa at Montreal, Toronto at Edmonton and Vancouver home to Calgary.
