Jeff Marek confirms exit from Sportsnet after 13 years.
Longtime voice of hockey Jeff Marek is stepping away from the role he has occupied for over a decade.
The face of the Canadian hockey media landscape saw a drastic shift this week when, seemingly out of the blue, it was announced that long time radio and television personality Jeff Marek, of the Jeff Marek Show, would be leaving Sportsnet.
Fans had speculated that something had transpired with Marek when he made a sudden and unexpected departure from the NHL draft in June, with both Marek and 32 Thoughts podcast co-host Elliotte Friedman going radio silent on the matter following Marek's unexpected departure. That speculation gained considerable steam this week after a report from Jonah Sigel of YYZ Sports Media revealed that Marek had split with Sportsnet after a 13 year relationship.
Sigel also reported that the reason behind the split was believed to be "unconfirmed draft reasons" but no further information about the reason behind the split has come forward at the time of this writing.
After the rumors gained considerable steam, Marek himself took to social media on Friday evening to confirm the news to his many followers with the following announcement:
Firstly, thanks for the outpouring of kinds words on Twitter/X. It really means the world to me.
After 13 great years at Sportsnet, I’m moving on. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m thankful to have worked alongside so many great people and played a role in bringing sports and hockey news to fans across Canada and the world. More to come soon.
- Jeff
Marek's co-host on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman, also confirmed the departure on Friday.
It is sad to see such a staple of Canadian hockey media moving on, but the end of one chapter also leaves open the possibility for new beginnings and I look forward to seeing what Marek has in store for us next.