Battling bile duct cancer likely puts the daily struggle of hockey teams in perspective, but the sense of community could give announcer Dave Strader a boost.
The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Heika goes deep on Strader’s return, as he’s slated to call five Dallas Stars games beginning with Saturday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Strader looks forward to the atmosphere and sharing some laughs with Daryl “Razor” Reaugh.
“I know the game is going to be exciting, but I’m looking forward mostly to going to the morning skate, hanging out with the players, laughing at Razor’s jokes,” Strader said. “You really appreciate that when it’s not there.”
That’s touching stuff, and Heika notes that at one point, he suffered through cardiac failure while going through treatments.
It’s a haunting reminder of what the 61-year-old is dealing with, even as he clearly relishes the opportunity to do what he loves. He described the experience to NHL.com as “cathartic.”
. @TheVoiceDS will make his return to the booth as Stars play-by-play announcer. #GoStars pic.twitter.com/Tf4Zuk6VhG
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) February 15, 2017
Both Strader and Reaugh lent their voices to NBCSN telecasts in the past. Here’s the schedule Strader expects to keep:
Schedule of games @TheVoiceDS will work. Will be great to see him at AAC. pic.twitter.com/RNOntFnObT
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) February 15, 2017