I’ll just put my cards on the table and say that it is a good thing to have some women’s voices in hockey and on the signature national broadcasts. Cassie Campbell and Jennifer B. were both pioneers of the women’s sport who played it at a high level for years. Neither is what I’d call a Grade-A analyst, but they are both better than many of the clowns and gasbags that have wasted those seats over the years, e.g., Glenn Healy. The entire culture of the NHL as a giant club for white hetero male “Good Canadian Boys” is tired, boring, and long past its best-by date anyhow as far as I’m concerned. Look at how the Good Old Boys sh*t all over PK Subban and you see the fundamental problem with the model. Hockey needs to be diverse because Canada and all of North America are diverse. Otherwise the sport will slowly die.
As for Ron MacLean, yeah - a legend who did some good things over the years and, believe it or not, represented a voice of fresh air when he first showed up (which I fear I’m old enough to remember). I don’t really mind him but agree that he is stale. Hrudey is a likeable guy and a capable commentator - not sure why folks would crap on him. Skin colour aside, Anthony Stewart is a doofus, much closer to the poor quality of the earlier iterations of the broadcast, but his repartee with Bieksa (who routinely smokes him) has its moments.
Frankly, I am really enjoying having worthwhile first intermissions after decades of Grapes’ antediluvian jabbering. WHAT AN IMPROVEMENT.
One of the very best commentators, especially on radio, is Ray Ferraro. It’s a pity he’s over at TSN.