Longtime TSN broadcaster Darren Dutchyshen dead at 57

Photo: TSN

Darren Dutchyshen, one of the most iconic sports broadcasters in Canadian television, has passed away.

The 57-year-old native of Regina, Sask. started at TSN in 1995 and was a staple in their coverage of the CFL. Though he shifted primarily into a hosting role on SportsCentre, he remained involved in the network’s coverage of Grey Cup, most recently serving as a pregame host in 2022.

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

Dutchyshen was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021 and took a year off to focus on his health before returning to work in 2022.

He was raised in Porcupine Plain, Sask. and worked for STV in Saskatoon, Sask., IMTV in Dauphin, Man., and ITV in Edmonton, Alta. before making his way to TSN.

“Darren Dutchyshen was a legend of Canadian sports broadcasting, a great teammate, and an essential part of TSN for the last three decades,” said Bell media executive Stewart Johnston.

“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.”

Dutchyshen is survived by three children.