Weekes Moves On and Makes History

Former NHL goalie Kevin Weekes make History

By michelle-lee The Afro News Ontario

Former NHL goalie Kevin Weekes (Florida, Vancouver, N.Y. Islanders, Tampa bay, Carolina, NY Rangers and New Jersey, over 11 career years) became the first Black on-air commentator on the popular Hockey Night in Canada TV show when CBC signed him to a 1=year contract as a color analyst recently. The 34-year old Toronto native, who has Barbados roots, says, “This is a challenge that I’m looking forward to. Every hockey player in this country grew up watching Hockey Night in Canada so to be part of this team now is very special.” He is expected to cover mostly the Western games with play-by-play announcer Mark Lee.

Weekes was disappointed with his unexplained relegation to the bench last year with New Jersey (he had the highest save percentage on the team and the 2nd highest in the league among backup goalies) decided to retire and examine other options. “You want to have a sense of purpose”, he said. “That’s a big thing for me. Essentially I felt like a thoroughbred that was always training, always in peak shape and condition and ready to go. You go through your exercise ride in the morning and then race day comes and you remain in the barn. For me that became frustrating.” When not on the TV set Weekes will continue his charity work including an annual celebrity golf tournament in Barbados. He also plans to set up his own goalie school in Toronto and start a family with his wife of nearly two years