Dan Kinvig
Black Press
The Abbotsford Heat are in the market for a new play-by-play voice, after parting ways with Ryan Pinder last week.
Pinder spent the past two seasons calling Heat games, and added the director of communications title in 2012-13. Pinder, who has been guest hosting on Sportsnet 960 The Fan radio in Calgary this week, told The News he's had "two really amazing years in Abbotsford." He joined the team in August 2011 following four years as director of broadcasting and media relations with the Penticton Vees of the B.C. Hockey League (junior A).
"I've been fortunate enough to meet a ton of great people," Pinder said. "I think the world of the coaching staff, and I really enjoyed my two years in the American Hockey League."
Heat president Ryan Walter declined to discuss in detail why the move was made, calling it a "business decision." He said the local American Hockey League franchise is restructuring its communications department, and it's not decided at this point whether they'll continue to combine the play-by-play and media relations duties in one position.
"We're very thankful for the part that Ryan played in helping our franchise," Walter said.
"We want to do a complete evaluation of that area and the roles . . . And then we will build a process to hire a play-by-play person."