Jon Abbott will be calling the action from the broadcast booth at the Saddledome — and other rinks around the league — as the new play-by-play voice for Calgary Flames regional telecasts on Sportsnet.
Abbott was hired Monday as the successor to Rick Ball, who made a move earlier this summer to Chicago.
“Our family is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to join the @Sportsnet team and excited to become part of the broadcast crew covering the Flames,” he wrote on X. “We can’t wait to call Alberta home! Flames fans, is it October yet?!”
The new guy has nearly 25 years of experience behind the mic, including NHL stints in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa, where he was most recently part of the Senators telecasts.
His resume is also highlighted by assignments to cover the Olympics and IIHF events.
“The hockey world is a small one and often provides full-circle moments,” Abbott said in Monday’s announcement. “Growing up in Aylmer, Ont., my minor hockey team was named the Flames because of funding provided by a former owner of the Calgary Flames, the late Harley Hotchkiss.
“Mr. Hotchkiss was from the neighbouring community of Tillsonburg and, just as the Flames ownership continues to do today, he always supported his community through his love for the game.
“It is an honour to join both the Sportsnet and Flames families over 30 years later, and I look forward to many years of great hockey memories in Calgary.”
Abbott will work alongside Kelly Hrudey and Greg Miller as colour analysts and Ryan Leslie as host.
“Jon Abbott is a fantastic addition to the Flames on Sportsnet broadcast booth, especially as we begin our new 11-year regional broadcast partnership with Calgary,” said Rob Corte, vice-president of Sportsnet and NHL Production, in Monday’s release. “His passion for hockey and this industry is infectious. Sportsnet is proud and excited to have Jon, Kelly, Greg and Ryan bring all the great action of a new season to Flames fans.”
Added Robert Hayes, president and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation: “Participating in the search for a play-by-play person with our partner Sportsnet, we were very impressed with Jon’s broadcast, his resume and his reputation within the industry.
“Not only will Jon be an excellent addition to the broadcast team, but he will also be an embraced member in the Calgary community. Along with Flames fans, we look forward to the energy and passion he will deliver in his play-by-play call this winter and for many seasons to come.”
The Flames open training camp in mid-September. Game 1 of 82 is set for Oct. 9 against the Canucks in Vancouver.