Regina, Saskatchewan – Darren Dutchyshen, a beloved Canadian sports commentator and longtime TSN personality, has passed away at the age of 57. The well-known broadcaster died on Wednesday after a courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Darren Dutchyshen, often affectionately referred to as "Dutchy" by his colleagues and fans, was a cherished figure in Canadian sports media. He began his career at TSN in 1995, initially hosting the weekend editions of SportsDesk and CFL Live. Over the years, Dutchyshen became a staple of SportsCentre, TSN’s flagship sports news program, co-hosting the late-night editions with Rod Smith and later with Jennifer Hedger.
Stewart Johnston, Senior Vice President of Sales & Sports at Bell Media, spoke highly of Dutchyshen’s contributions, stating, “Darren Dutchyshen was a legend of Canadian sports broadcasting, a great teammate, and an essential part of TSN for the last three decades. His incredible sense of humour and magnetic energy made him a natural broadcaster who connected easily with viewers. His enthusiasm reminded us every day of why we love sports. Most significantly, Darren was a friend to all of us at TSN, and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones.”
Dutchyshen’s career was marked by his quick wit, infectious enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of sports, making him one of Canada’s most popular sports personalities. His influence extended beyond the studio as he took part in the Kraft Celebration Tour, which brought SportsCentre to various communities across Canada, celebrating local sports stories and promoting a sense of national unity.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and raised in the small town of Porcupine Plain, Dutchyshen’s passion for sports broadcasting started early. He began his broadcasting career with STV in Saskatoon and later worked at IMTV in Dauphin, Manitoba, and ITV in Edmonton, where he hosted Sports Night for seven years.
The Dutchyshen family shared their sorrow in a statement, noting that Darren’s sharp wit and humor stayed with him until the end. They remembered him for his jokes, describing them as “mostly good and all of them inappropriate,” reflecting his unique sense of humor.
On Facebook, Darren David Gibbons posted, "A FELLOW WABC GRAD …AFTER US I THINK," paying tribute to Dutchyshen’s connection with his peers. Rick Pidhorodetsky also shared his thoughts, writing, "TSN remembering Darren Dutchyshen, and former Rider coach Ken Miller. RIP."
Darren Dutchyshen’s legacy will be remembered not only for his significant contributions to sports broadcasting but also for the joy, laughter, and passion he brought to the field. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the TSN family, his viewers, and the broader Canadian sports community. Darren Dutchyshen will be greatly missed.