Legendary Voice Of UND Hockey Has Been Fired

One of the Best in the Business

If you grew up a UND hockey fan in North Dakota, you no doubt listened to the games on the radio, and what you heard was what many called "perfection." Many called him the BEST play-by-play hockey announcer not only in college hockey, but you could throw in the NHL too. I'm talking about none other than North Dakota's Tim Hennessy.

According to numerous reports, the University of North Dakota has fired its legendary voice of "Fighting Hawks" hockey. Tim Hennessy has been behind the mic during both the Fighting Sioux and now Fighting Hawks eras.

The Dismissal

How it went down is what many are having a problem with. UND's Athletic Director Bill Chaves, along with another person the HR department told Hennessy, in a brief 5-minute meeting, that he doesn't do enough to justify his salary and benefits. Chaves provided no broader explanation of budgets or finances. Then reportedly, Chaves offered Hennessy a "generous" one month of health care benefits. That's it, after almost half of a century of calling national championships, Frozen Four appearances, conference title runs, and the start of numerous future NHL stars.

Hennessy had Hoped for One More Year

According to an article from KVLY, Tim Hennessy was planning on retiring after the 2026-2027 season. Hennessy said, "What bothers me the most is that they knew I was going to attempt to do one more year and then be done." "Why wouldn't you just move along for one more year and then it's over?"

That is the question that so many UND hockey fans are asking on social media. It's been both emotional and very critical of the University for not allowing Hennessy to finish on his own terms. Something all broadcasters long to do, or at least be able to say goodbye to their listeners. Hennessy had no idea that last year's Frozen Four loss against Wisconsin would be his last call.

We wish this legendary broadcaster all the best going forward.