The Calgary Flames have announced Jon Abbott as their new play-by-play announcer on Sportsnet. Abbott will replace Rick Ball, who recently joined the Chicago Blackhawks. Abbott will join a seasoned broadcast team that includes analysts Kelly Hrudey and Greg Millen with host Ryan Leslie as the Flames gear up for the 2024-2025 NHL season.
Abbott brings over two decades of experience in sports broadcasting to his new role with the Flames. His extensive résumé includes coverage of NHL, CHL, AHL, and World Juniors games, as well as high-profile assignments at the World Men’s Hockey Championship and the Olympics. Abbott is well-regarded in the industry for his deep knowledge of the game and his engaging on-air presence.
Jon Abbott’s familiarity with the Flames’ organization dates back to his earlier broadcasting career, where he covered the Vancouver Canucks on TSN 1040. Abbott initially stepped into the role after Rick Ball left Vancouver for Calgary in the 2014-15 season. During his tenure in Vancouver, Abbott teamed up with analyst Dave Tomlinson before transitioning to Sportsnet, where Brendan Batchelor took over the play-by-play duties with Corey Hirsch as the analyst.
Abbott expressed his excitement about joining the Flames’ broadcast team and the opportunity to connect with the passionate Calgary fanbase. “I’m really excited to relay the terrific moments that are ahead because this is a team that I think is going to have a lot of bright spots and is going to be able to take steps moving forward season after season,” Abbott said. “We’re going to watch these players grow on and off the ice, and we’re going to see how their success comes with it. I’m excited to share those moments in real time but also give some of the background to these Calgary Flames players, tell some stories along the way, and just be able to connect with the fanbase through the players that they’re watching.”
As the Flames prepare to kick off their 2024-2025 season, Abbott’s addition to the broadcast team is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to the game coverage.
The Flames open the season on October 9th against the Vancouver Canucks.