Retiring Hockey Night in Canada mainstay Scott Oake

Send us Fan MailPlease welcome a veteran sports reporter and host who, in my opinion, has been better on his feet and in the moment than anybody else in a rink or on a field. I’m talking of course about Scott Oake, who recently announced his retirement from Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada. Correction – he reluctantly announced, because he never wanted any fuss made about his departure. He just wanted to go quietly, to ghost. Sportsnet insisted a fuss be made and so he has squirmed through several interviews, including this one with me. I just wanted to thank him for all the great TV moments and, as someone else who has milked this talking to famous people thing for decades, ask how I can find a dignified way to the exit ramp. Scott offers good advice, talks about that interview in the stands with Snoop Dogg, and names the colleagues who influenced him the most. He also puts the spotlight on what is most important to him now, the Bruce and Anne Oake Memorial Foundation established in his son and late wife’s name in Winnipeg. It is a wonderful cause, one born out of sorrow but what a pivot towards helping others. Helmet on and get ready to lace ‘em up with Scott Oake.