Former Detroit Red Wings broadcaster Dave Strader passed away this morning at his home in Glens Falls, New York, at the age of 62, according to the Detroit Red Wings. He had been fighting a form of bile duct cancer. Known as “The Voice,” Strader called the Red Wings games from 1985 to 1996, but also worked as a broadcaster for the Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers and worked three Olympics. He received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Strader started his career as a broadcaster for the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Adirondack from 1979 to 1985, before taking over in Detroit. He eventually went on to cover national games in 1996 with ESPN, ABC and ESPN. He eventually took a full-time job in 2011 calling games for NBC Sports Group.
He spent the last two years calling games for the Dallas Stars even after being diagnosed with cancer in June of 2016. His Foster Hewitt Memorial plaque will go on display in the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 13.
R.I.P. Mr Strader you will be missed
Loved when he and Mickey called the Wings games!
A sad day for everyone who knew this man. He was not only an outstanding play by play man but also a genuine & gracious human being. Here in Michigan, he will be terribly missed, as he also will be missed everywhere that this great man went. He went out of his way to make even a stranger feel special & spent as much time as he could signing autographs, especially for the children. This one for me, is going to hurt for a long, long time & I will remember Mr. Strader forever. Rest in peace, Dave Strader ,because you have left a legacy everywhere you have been & thank you for the memories, Sir! It has been a real pleasure being able to hear your take on the greatest sport in the world & you will never be forgotten.