At 18 years old, Montreal Canadiens draft pick Michael Hage struggled to find the right words to honor his father, who had tragically passed away in a swimming pool accident a year prior. In a touching moment during the live broadcast of the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas, Sportsnet broadcaster Jeff Marek, 55, reached out to Hage with empathy and support. Marek’s kind gesture was widely praised, showcasing his warm and comforting presence that had endeared him to audiences over his 30-year broadcasting career.
Known for his friendly and knowledgeable demeanor in the hockey world, Marek had worked his way up from an entry-level radio position to hosting “The Jeff Marek Show” daily and becoming one of Sportsnet’s signature talents for the past 13 years. Marek stood out in the broadcast culture with his full-arm tattoos and casual attire, breaking the norm with his unique personality and style.
Although Marek had been viewed as a potential future host of “Hockey Night in Canada,” his time with Sportsnet abruptly ended after the 2024 NHL Draft. Following his absence from post-draft recordings and daily radio shows, fans began to notice his disappearance from social media, leading to speculation about the broadcaster’s sudden departure from the network.
The circumstances surrounding Marek’s departure were clouded in secrecy, with both the NHL and Sportsnet declining to comment on the matter. Marek himself did not respond to requests for clarification, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating on the reasons behind his sudden exit.
Despite the lack of official statements, it was later revealed that Marek had allegedly shared sensitive draft information with a friend prior to public announcements, prompting concerns from the NHL and an investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Following these revelations, Marek quietly parted ways with Sportsnet, marking the end of his tenure with the network.
The news of Marek’s departure sent shockwaves through the hockey and sports media community, with many expressing their support for the broadcaster and reflecting on his impact on the industry. Marek’s absence is already being felt at Sportsnet, where he was known for his advocacy of diversity and inclusion in sports coverage.
As Marek prepares to embark on his next chapter, his departure from Sportsnet serves as a reminder of the complex and unpredictable nature of the broadcasting industry. Despite the circumstances surrounding his exit, Marek’s legacy as a beloved and respected voice in hockey will endure, leaving a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working with him.
— The Athletic’s Corey Pronman contributed to this story.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic)