Dave Strader passed away this morning. He was the announcer for the Dallas Stars, after having started for the Red Wings. He also called NBC games. He was one of the best, probably only surpassed by Doc Emrick.

ETA: He was to receive the Foster Hewitt Award which includes induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame next month.

Damn. I actually much preferred Dave to Doc personally. What a loss for the game.

Grew up watching/listening to his coverage of Red Wings games. Sad to hear of his passing.

Really sad to hear this....RIP Dave. I thought he had kicked the big "C". I know Razer will take this pretty hard.

He had cholangiocarcinoma, a rare but almost always fatal form of bile duct cancer. He fought it like hell and actually made it back to the booth for a few games toward the end of last season.

Through it all, Dave Strader showed a lot more courage and grace than I think most of us would have. Those of us who watched and listened to this great broadcaster only wish that he had received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award much earlier than in the final year of his life.

Godspeed, Dave. We'll miss you.