CLARENCE IRON: Hockey in Cree Play-by-Play Announcer
Clarence Iron lives in Pinehouse, Sask., where he works at CFNK 89.9 FM as a program host in his native Plains Cree language.
With his experience calling Indigenous hockey tournaments as well as local games, Iron is recognized within the Indigenous hockey community as one of the “Cree Voices of Hockey.”
Clarence is fluently bilingual in English and Plains Cree.
EARL WOOD: Hockey in Cree Studio Host
Earl Wood hails from Saddle Lake, AB., and is one of the original founders of the Northern Cree Singers. Referred to by some as the “Indigenous Rolling Stones,” the Northern Cree Singers are a Juno Award-winning group and have been nominated for six Grammy Awards.
Earl is fluently bilingual in English and Plains Cree.
JOHN CHABOT: Hockey in Cree Studio Analyst
Drafted 40th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1980, John Chabot spent eight seasons in the NHL and played more than 500 games with Montreal, Pittsburgh and Detroit, followed by another 11 seasons in Europe. Following his playing career, Chabot went on to coach in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before spending two seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders from 2007-2009.
John is a member of the Algonquin First Nation and he is fluently bilingual in English and French.
JASON CHAMAKESE: Cree-language Promoter
Two hours north of Saskatoon, you’ll find Pelican Lake First Nation, hometown of Jason Chamakese. Jason is an esteemed musician, teacher, and an influential promoter of the Cree Language. Jason has been nominated for numerous awards in the Indigenous music world and also took home the award for “Best traditional flute CD” in 2011.
Jason is fluently bilingual in English and Plains Cree.
PUJJUUT KUSUGAK: Hockey in Inuktitut Play-by-Play Announcer
Pujjuut Kusugak is a passionate advocate for Inuktitut language and culture, bringing his expertise to Hockey Night in Canada in Inuktitut. A former teacher and language director, he now leads Nunavut affairs at Agnico Eagle Mines. Pujjuut has provided Inuktitut commentary for major sporting events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Pujjuut is fluently bilingual in English and Inuktitut.
ROBERT KABVITOK: Hockey in Inuktitut Studio Host
Robert Kabvitok is a broadcaster with Tusaajaksat on CBC North Radio One, delivering news and stories from the Kivalliq region in Inuktitut and English. A lifelong hockey fan, he grew up playing alongside fellow commentators Ningeongan and Kusugak—and still hits the ice today as a player and referee in the Rankin Inlet Senior Men’s Hockey League.
Robert is fluently bilingual in English and Inuktitut.
DAVID NINGEOGAN: Hockey in Inuktitut Colour Analyst
David Ningeongan is a seasoned sports commentator who made headlines in 2022 as part of CBC’s Beijing Winter Olympics coverage, calling men’s and women’s hockey in Inuktitut. He honed his skills calling local games in Rankin Inlet, where he also coached minor hockey. With a deep understanding of the game, David brings fast-paced, engaging commentary to Hockey Night in Canada in Inuktitut.
David is fluently bilingual in English and Inuktitut.