The Detroit Red Wings family lost a legend today.
A little over a year ago, Dave Strader announced that he was battling a rare form of bile duct cancer. He lost that fight on Sunday.
Strader, known as “The Voice,” was the play-by-play announcer for the Red Wings from 1985-1996 on PASS Sports and WKBD Channel 50 alongside Mickey Redmond. Strader went on to call games for the Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars, as well as national telecasts for Versus/NBC, ESPN, and FOX.
Strader was also tapped at the last minute to take over the 2009 NHL Winter Classic duties from Doc Emrick, who was suffering from laryngitis. That game, of course, featured the Red Wings and Blackhawks, so it was a thrill to hear The Voice here in Detroit again.
Here are some reactions to the loss of a local legend:
The entire Detroit #RedWings organization is saddened to learn of the passing of Dave Strader… pic.twitter.com/nPHK9Gdbzn
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/KenKalDRW/status/914502348663345153
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of broadcaster Dave Strader (‘The Voice’), who passed away today at age 62. pic.twitter.com/H0JCFWRT32
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) October 1, 2017
Legendary broadcaster Dave Strader has passed away at age 62. https://t.co/3lRZ1OQ6RZ
— NHL (@NHL) October 1, 2017
Incredibly sad to hear about the passing of @TheVoiceDS. Iconic in his work but a even better friend. May you rest in peace buddy. pic.twitter.com/Mm60OpkdcL
— Tyler Seguin (@tseguinofficial) October 1, 2017
We are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of Dave Strader. A true hero of the Adirondack Hockey Community. pic.twitter.com/awYUuDG4Iu
— Adirondack Thunder (@ECHLThunder) October 1, 2017