Ron MacLean

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Ronald Joseph MacLean (born April 12, 1960, in Zweibrücken, Germany) is a Canadian sportscaster for the CBC who is best known as the host of Hockey Night in Canada.

MacLean's father was stationed in Germany as an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force when MacLean was born, but 14 months later the family moved back to Canada, and he grew up in Chester, Nova Scotia, and Red Deer, Alberta.

In addition to his work at the CBC, MacLean is a Level 5 referee with the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. He has refereed in junior, minor pro, senior, and university leagues across Canada, but mostly in the Southern Ontario region. He served as a referee in the September 29, 2006 NHL preseason matchup of the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins^[1] calling one penalty in the final minute of the game. His interest in refereeing extends to his career in broadcasting.

MacLean was named an Honorary Colonel for the 1 Air Movements Squadron at 17 Wing Winnipeg of the Canadian Forces Air Command.

[edit] Hockey Night in Canada

MacLean has hosted Hockey Night in Canada since 1986. Part of his duties include hosting Coach's Corner with Don Cherry.

Contract negotiations with CBC Sports Executive Director Nancy Lee and the president of English television had hit a standstill in the 2001-02 NHL season. MacLean threatened to leave CBC on the advice of his agent Don Meehan.^[2] That made headlines across Canada and following a huge public outcry, the CBC quickly gave in to his demands.

MacLean has been recognized with eight Gemini Awards for his work with CBC.^[3] He has been named the top sportscaster in Canada on numerous occasions.

He and his wife, Cari, live in Oakville, Ontario.