Jon Abbott is the new television voice of the Calgary Flames. The 39-year-old native of Aylmer, Ont., succeeds Rick Ball, who departed Calgary in June to become Chicago’s play-by-play broadcaster.
“I really can’t wait to get into Calgary and start to meet everybody and just be able to fit in in that environment,” Abbott told The Athletic on Monday. “And then have the opportunity to bring my family out there with me real soon as well. It’s going to be great.
“You almost just wish it was October right now so you could dive right in and get going. So, yeah, it’s a whirlwind, but it’s, it’s amazing.”
A little preview of what’s to come this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/doAOfIsCQk
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 26, 2024
Abbott has 24 years of broadcasting experience and was most recently with the Ottawa Senators doing play-by-play for TSN. Abbott has also called Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks games. He has worked the Olympics, the World Junior Hockey Championship and the World Hockey Championship as well as CHL, AHL and National Lacrosse League games.
Jon Abbott is the Calgary Flames’ new play-by-play voice for Sportsnet. (Photo courtesy of Sportsnet)
“I’ve had a lot of great people that have supported me over the years and given me opportunities and believed in me,” Abbott said.
Abbott said it was “a bit of a shock” to learn that Ball was leaving Calgary. Over the summer, Abbott spoke to his family — his wife and three children — about the potential of moving to Alberta if he pursued the job opening. Abbott then connected with Sportsnet and those conversations led to interviews with the Flames organization.
“I think how the broadcast business goes is that does take time and then all of a sudden it goes from zero to 100 real quick,” Abbott said. “So, I would say that’s probably where this experience went as well.
“(I’m) very, very thankful and grateful that at the end of the day they they trust me and my family to join Sportsnet to broadcast Flames games and we’re excited.”
Abbott cites Bob Cole, Chris Cuthbert, Doc Emrick, Dennis Beyak, John Shorthouse and former colleague Gord Miller as his broadcasting inspirations and favourites in the industry. When asked about his play-by-play style, he said he’s not a “catchphrase guy” but hopes his “passion, loyalty and energy” will come through during games.
“I just like to be passionate,” Abbott said. “Bring the passion, bring the energy and think about what people at home will get excited about. And try to transfer that energy from the arena. It’s one of the best buildings in the National Hockey League. And I know it’s only going to get better when they fully construct the new one for 2027.”
Required reading
• Ground breaks on Calgary Flames’ new arena, expected to be completed in 2027
• New Blackhawks TV broadcaster Rick Ball on leaving Calgary, joining Chicago: Q&A
(Top photo of Scotiabank Saddledome: Brett Holmes / Icon Sportswire)
