Veteran broadcaster Jim Hughson celebrates his induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame, marking over four decades of unforgettable sports moments.
A Legendary Voice Gets Its Due
White Rock’s own Jim Hughson, one of Canada’s most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting, has officially joined the BC Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The announcement came Monday, Oct. 20, during a vibrant ceremony at the Hall of Fame, where athletes, coaches, and trailblazers gathered to celebrate a lifetime of achievement.
For Hughson, whose career has spanned over 42 thrilling years, the recognition feels like the perfect capstone to a life behind the mic. “I’m extremely honoured and humbled,” he said, his trademark warmth evident in every word.
From Fort St. John to National Fame
Born and raised in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Hughson’s love for sports and storytelling began early. His broadcasting journey started back in 1979, calling his very first game on radio. From there, his voice became a staple in Canadian households, covering Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs games before joining TSN in 1987.
Between 1987 and 1994, he became TSN’s lead play-by-play announcer, guiding fans through some of hockey’s most unforgettable moments. But hockey wasn’t his only stage—Hughson also helped narrate the Toronto Blue Jays’ back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993, forever cementing his place in Canadian sports history.
A Career Defined by Passion and Precision
In 1998, Hughson joined Sportsnet, where he continued to call games for a national audience. A few years later, he made the leap to CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada”, replacing the legendary Bob Cole as the lead play-by-play announcer in the 2008–09 season.
Hughson’s career also included unforgettable Olympic moments. At the 2006 Turin Games and 2014 Sochi Olympics, he called the shots for Team Canada’s hockey teams—both of which struck gold in Sochi. “They were the best—the finest hockey I’ve ever seen,” Hughson recalled, reflecting on those golden memories.
Accolades and Lasting Legacy
Over the decades, Hughson’s excellence has been recognized time and again. In 2019, he received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame, celebrating his outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting. He’s also a four-time Canadian Screen Award winner for Best Sports Play-by-Play Announcer.
Yet, despite his storied success, Hughson has always remained grounded. After years in Toronto, he returned to British Columbia in 1994, settling on the Semiahmoo Peninsula, where he enjoys quiet seaside walks and the community that first inspired his love for the game.
“It’s a spectacular place to live,” he said with a smile.
Celebrating Excellence: BC Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025
This year’s class features a remarkable lineup of talent, including:
Athletes:
- Christine Sinclair – Soccer
- Ray Ferraro – Hockey
- Cindy Devine – Mountain Biking
- Nathan Hirayama – Rugby
- Walter Wu – Para Swimming
Builders-Coaches:
- Chandra Madhosingh – Table Tennis
- Dr. Saul Miller – Sports Psychology
- Wes Woo – Weightlifting
Team:
- 2000 BC Lions Men’s Football Team
Pioneer:
- Meraloma Club Founders – Multi-Sport
Media:
- Jim Hughson
The Final Word
Jim Hughson’s induction is more than a personal milestone—it’s a celebration of Canadian sports storytelling at its finest. For over four decades, his voice has guided fans through joy, heartbreak, and glory, painting every moment with passion and precision.
And now, as his name joins the ranks of BC’s greatest, one thing is clear: his legacy will echo far beyond the final whistle.
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