Veteran sports broadcaster Scott Oake to retire later this month

Veteran sports journalist and acclaimed Winnipegger Scott Oake has announced his retirement from broadcasting, marking the end of a more than 50-year career during which he spent decades as a mainstay on Hockey Night in Canada.

Oake, who is in his early 70s, made the announcement Saturday after hosting Sportsnet’s After Hours program following a game between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL.

“I would like you to know that the decision to retire is mine. I’m going out on my own terms and I greatly appreciate the opportunity because not everybody in this business gets it,” Oake said as he bid farewell.

“Rogers, Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada would have had me continue, but as I’ve said to more than a few people, 50-plus years in this business is more than anyone should have to take of me, and frankly, ladies and gentlemen, it’s just about all I can take of myself — and so it’s time.”

Oake was raised on Canada’s East Coast, but has lived in Winnipeg since the 1970s. He became a permanent fixture on Hockey Night in Canada in 1989.

Over the course of his career, Oake’s wry, witty and insightful commentary at the Olympic Games and as a Hockey Night in Canada contributor elevated him to the pantheon of Canadian sports journalism greats.

Outside of broadcasting, he is lauded as a relentless advocate for addictions recovery who is responsible for the creation of the Bruce Oake Foundation and Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg — both named in honour of his 25-year-old son, who died of an overdose in 2011.

Sportsnet released a statement following Oake’s retirement announcement, celebrating his storied career.

“Scott has been a trusted voice and steady presence on Hockey Night in Canada for more than three decades, earning the respect of viewers colleagues and athletes alike. Through his thoughtful reporting, genuine compassion and unwavering professionalism, he has helped tell the stories that define hockey,” Sportsnet said.

“Thank you, Scott, for your remarkable contributions to Canadian broadcasting — you will be missed.”

Oake was inducted into the Order of Canada in December 2024, in recognition of both his advocacy for addictions recovery and his work as a sports broadcaster. Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville inducted him into the Order of Manitoba in 2020, and he was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.

He earned a Gemini Award in 2003 for an interview with Brett Hull, a former ice hockey player who is now an executive vice president of the St. Louis Blues.

Oake’s final appearance on Hockey Night in Canada and After Hours is scheduled for April 11.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca