Longtime hockey analysts Nick Kypreos and Doug MacLean announced Wednesday they were leaving Sportsnet.

In a statement released on his verified Twitter account, Kypreos said he was “grateful” for the opportunity to work there since it launched almost 21 years ago and that he and the company “decided to part ways.” He did not elaborate on the reasons behind his sudden departure.

“From covering Sid’s golden goal in Vancouver (at the Winter Olympics) to a Saturday night seat on Hockey Night in Canada,” wrote the 53-year-old former Toronto Maple Leafs forward, “I could not have asked for more.”

He added: “Most of all, I would like to offer a sincere thank you to the hockey fans. Simply put, hockey is nothing without you. I’ve felt your passion since day one.”

Kypreos also said he and his family were excited for upcoming projects and adventures.

Sportsnet confirmed the departure on social media, saying Kypreos has been an “integral” part of the company and their hockey coverage since it launched in Oct. 1998.

“He established himself as one of the most trusted and respected names in Canadian sports broadcasting,” they wrote. “He is a true professional and his commitment, dedication, and passion helped Sportsnet grow into the leader it is today.”

Kypreos played for the Washington Capitals, Hartford Whalers, New York Rangers and Maple Leafs over an eight-year NHL career in which he amassed 46 goals, 44 assists and 1,210 penalty minutes in 442 regular season games. He won a Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994.

He retired in Aug. 1998 after missing the entire 1997-98 season because of a concussion he suffered in a fight in a preseason game with the Maple Leafs and began his broadcasting career with Sportsnet shortly thereafter.

MacLean, meanwhile, said in a post from his verified Twitter account he also wouldn’t be back at the network.

“After covering the greatest game in the world for the past 10 years I won’t be returning to Sportsnet,” he wrote on Twitter about two hours after Kypreos broke the news. “Thanks to all hockey fans for your great support.”

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MacLean is a former NHL executive and coach, having previously worked with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers.

Both Kypreos and MacLean appeared regularly on Sportsnet’s Hockey Central television show and on radio programming.

The news about Kypreos and MacLean comes two months after longtime radio show host Bob McCown announced his departure from Sportsnet 590 The Fan after 30 years.

Correction: A previous version of this story said that Nick Kypreos helped found Sportsnet in 1998. In fact, he helped to launch the network.

Ilya Bañares is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @ilyaoverseas

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