Stars TV play-by-play man DAVE STRADER died yesterday morning at his home in Glen Falls, N.Y., after a battle with a "rare but aggressive bile duct cancer," according to Barry Horn of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Strader, who was honored by the Hockey HOF in April with the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, was diagnosed soon after the '15-16 NHL season, his "first and last with the Stars." Strader, 62, was able to "work five games during a Stars homestand last February." He previously called games for the former AHL Adirondack Red Wings until '85, "when he was promoted" to calling games for the parent club in Detroit. He spent 11 years calling Red Wings games on TV until he left for "fulltime work at ESPN." Strader also had play-by-play duties with the Panthers and Coyotes, and in '11 joined NBC and NBCSN. Strader "worked three Olympics for NBC" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/2). The AP's Stephen Whyno noted Strader will be "honored during Hall of Fame induction weekend in November." While he was undergoing treatment, Strader "broadcasted a final few playoff games last season." NBC Sports Exec Producer SAM FLOOD said that it was a "pleasure to see Strader back in his element, at the rink and in the booth." Flood said that NBC's lead NHL play-by-play man MIKE EMRICK "will pay tribute to Strader on air Wednesday night when the NHL regular season begins" (AP, 10/1).
TWITTER TRIBUTES: Remembrances of Strader have been pouring in on social media. TSN's Ray Ferraro tweeted, "Strader was funny, helpful, committed to his family and so great on air. Condolences to his family." Stars radio broadcaster Bruce LeVine: "One of the greatest to ever call a game, but even a better person away from the booth." Red wings broadcaster Ken Kal: "An excellent broadcaster and friend. He will be missed." CBC's Andi Petrillo: "A gentle soul who loved the game is gone too soon." MSG Network's John Giannone: "Strader treated people with respect & kindness. He loved hockey. He loved family. He loved life. Honor his memory by doing the same."
