Veteran NHL broadcaster Dave Strader on Friday was named the "new play-by-play voice of the Stars," according to Barry Horn of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Strader, who has worked for ESPN and Fox in addition to several other teams, spent this season "as the No. 2 play-by-play voice behind Mike Emrick at NBCSN." NBC said that it will "continue to use Strader when he has no Stars conflicts." Strader "replaces Ralph Strangis, who resigned in April after 22 seasons of Stars broadcasts." Stars analyst Daryl Reaugh "let it be known that he was interested in sliding over to play-by-play after 19 seasons in the analyst’s seat." But the Stars, who "consider Reaugh to be the finest local analyst in the NHL, were reluctant to make the switch." Strader was "the only candidate offered the job" by Stars President & CEO Jim Lites (DALLASNEWS.com, 6/12). Strader said that he has "enjoyed doing the network broadcasts and had another year on his contract with NBC," but he "missed the challenge of following a team through the season." In New York, Greg Brownell noted Lites was a Red Wings official during Strader's time with that club, and that connection "played a role in his move" to the Stars (Glens Falls POST-STAR, 6/13). The MORNING NEWS' Horn wrote Strader is "an important hire for the Dallas-Fort Worth market." He "in effect fills two positions, as he will be the only play-by-play voice in town working a simulcast." He will "be a presence" alongside Reaugh on FS Southwest and KTCK-AM. Strangis in his 22 seasons with the Stars "morphed into one of the key faces of the franchise." The "Ralph and Razor" brand "was gold." Strader is "keenly aware of Strangis’ status" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/13).
