Stars TV and radio play-by-play announcer Ralph Strangis on Thursday announced that he is leaving the organization "to pursue new challenges, ending a career that spanned 25 years and more than 2,000 games," according to Mike Heika of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Strangis has been with the franchise since '90, when the club was still the Minnesota North Stars. He spent the first six years as an analyst, but in '96 he "moved to the play-by-play chair and was joined by analyst Daryl Reaugh." The duo became a "dynamic combination," which is why Strangis' departure "was a shock to Stars fans." Strangis said, "I just feel now is the time to do that. My daughter is going to college, I'm single, I don't have a house. ... I have a lot of different interests, and this will give me a chance to look at my life and try something different." Stars President & CEO Jim Lites said that the team "will be open to many options in seeking a replacement" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/24). Strangis said, "My life has evolved a lot over the last five years and this has been in my head for a while." In Ft. Worth, Mac Engel wrote this is a "tough loss" for Stars fans. Engel: "As talented as the many broadcasting pairs are in this town, the relationship between Ralph and Razor to the viewers and listeners set them apart. Another voice will replace Ralph, but the bond and the relationship that he had with the Stars’ fan base will not be replaced immediately" (STAR-TELEGRAM.com, 4/23).
