Longtime Canadian sports broadcaster Darren Dutchyshen passes away at 57

Longtime TSN broadcaster Darren Dutchyshen has passed away at the age of 57.

Over the last three decades, Dutchyshen, a.k.a. ‘Dutchy, was best known as the host of SportsCenter, TSN’s No. 1 program, where served as anchor and became a staple among Canadians.

“Darren’s incredible sense of humor and magnetic energy made him a natural broadcaster who connected easily with viewers.” Stewart Johnston, Bell Media’s senior vice president of sales and sports, told TSN.ca.

“A larger-than-life personality, Darren’s incredible sense of humour and magnetic energy made him a natural broadcaster who connected easily with viewers. His enthusiasm reminded us every day of why we love sports. Most significantly, Darren was a friend to all of us at TSN, and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones,” Johnston added.

Daily Faceoff president of hockey content and former TSN colleague Frank Seravalli offered his condolences online Thursday: “Heartbreaking news. Can’t believe Dutch is gone. He lit up every room he entered, such an infectious and positive personality. It was such an incredible honor to be his teammate – and you can’t imagine what it would mean to get a note or offer a kind word. We’ll miss you, Dutch.”

Dutchyshen took a break in 2021 and was vocal about his battle with prostate cancer. He made his triumphant return to the broadcasting desk in September 2022 despite still battling the horrific disease. “The place that I feel best is right here,” he said at the time.

Dutchyshen was born in Regina and raised in Porcupine Plain, Sask. He got his start in broadcasting with STV in Saskatoon. He joined TSN by 1995 was one of the hosts of SportsCenter’s Top-10 in which he would count down the best hockey moments from agitators, goals, world juniors, Game 7 goals and more.

“He passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones,” the Dutchyshen family said. “His sharp wit remained until his final moments, classically delivering plenty of jokes – most of them pretty good and all of them inappropriate.”

Rest in peace, Dutchy. Daily Faceoff extends its condolences to his family, loved ones and friends.