ROGERS SPORTSNET HOST
RYAN LESLIE
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M A E R D E H T G N I LIV By Jeremy Freeborn
photos courtesy of ryan leslie
On June 11, 2018, veteran Calgary Flames broadcaster Roger Millions announced his retirement from broadcasting. In the wake of his retirement as television host for Flames games, Sportsnet hired Ryan Leslie from Flames TV to take over. In his first three years of the position full-time, Leslie loves it and is “living the dream” when it comes to hockey broadcasting. Leslie grew up in Owen Sound and Port Dover, Ont. Unlike many people in southern Ontario, he was not a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. His favourite team was the Montreal Canadiens and Leslie idolized the magical skill set of Guy Lafleur. During this time it was difficult and expensive to go to NHL games, especially games at the old Maple Leaf Gardens, in Toronto. Leslie remembers his first NHL game live as a spectator. He was in attendance on Jan. 5, 1991, between the Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings. With the Kings leading 3-2 late in the second period, Maple Leafs defenseman and former Flames Rob Ramage shot a stick that was lying on the ice towards Wayne Gretzky. Instantly Gretzky was granted a penalty shot. Leslie was right behind the Maple Leafs net and believes Gretzky winked at him before going one-on-one with Toronto goaltender Peter Ing. It would be Ing that got the best of Gretzky in this moment with a pad save. However, the Kings went on to win the game 4-2. “I have been in every rink since,” said Leslie in an interview with the Calgary Hockey Magazine. “That one (and that game) will always resonate.” Leslie had dreams of being the next Bob Cole. While growing up, he constantly muted the television so he could call games. At a young age, he knew he wanted to be a hockey television broadcaster. In 1993, Leslie started the broadcasting program at Mohawk College in Hamilton. He graduated in 1995. Around this time, he did an internship at Eastern Michigan University where he covered college basketball’s premier event—March Madness. He moved to Calgary in 1996. Initially he worked with Shaw Television, the director of entertainment with the Calgary Hitmen, and doing the University of Calgary’s public address announcing for the men’s and women’s volleyball and basketball teams. When Joe Sports became ill with cancer, a sports broadcasting position opened up at Global Television. Leslie was hired by Global TV Sports Director Grant Pollock. He remained with Global for five years.
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