Ray Ferraro leaves TSN after 14 years

Former NHLer turned broadcaster Ray Ferraro has announced that he is leaving Canadian sports media giant TSN after 14 years of service and will transition into a lighter broadcasting schedule moving forward. Ferraro will remain on part-time at ESPN but is planning on spending more time with his family.

From Ferraro himself:

1/2 Want to thank TSN_Sports for an unforgettable 14 years. I needed to find some balance in my life – I’m giving up some work to spend more time with my 4 boys, 2 grandkids and of course Cammi. Looking fwd to yr 2 on ESPN and hope to pop on once in a while here in the future.

2/2 So many to people to thank behind the camera that always helped me out. Some lifelong friends. And to those on air, I’m incredibly grateful, in particular to (Gord Miller). An amazing partner and friend. To those who supported, argued, watched and listened…thank you🙏✌️

- Ray Ferraro, on Twitter

Wow... has it really been 14 years of Ray on TSN? Time flies...

For my money, Ferraro is the absolute gold standard for color commentators. He is extremely knowledgable, insightful and deliberate. He adds so much context and insight to a game that I feel he's the best color commentator in the entire NHL, perhaps even all of professional sports. What's even crazier is that he takes his game to another level during the annual World Junior Championships. Not only is this guy an encyclopedia of information about the NHL and its players, but he also knows everything there is to know about junior hockey at all its different levels in all its different locales. Ferraro is a true professional through and through and frankly I'll miss him on TSN broadcasts. The pairing of Ferraro and Gord Miller has been one of my absolute favorite things about TSN broadcasts for... well... I guess 14 years now. For me, the combo of CBC's Bob Cole and Harry Neale was untouchable for years, but as their ages crept up the quality of their work became less consistent. Miller and Ferraro filled that role perfectly for over a decade, but I'm curious to see which duo ascend to top of the ranks next.