Tripp Tracy’s absence from Hurricanes telecast Tuesday raises concern among fans
It was quickly apparent Tuesday night that longtime Carolina Hurricanes analyst Tripp Tracy was absent and would not be on the television broadcast.
The question now: when will Tracy return?
“Tripp is going to take some time away from the team and the broadcast to address a personal matter,” Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell said in a statement Wednesday. “We are in full support of his efforts to get healthy and ask that everyone please respect his privacy in this matter.”
The Canes said Shane Willis would handle the analyst duties the remainder of the season.
Tracy has been the Canes’ television analyst the past 23 seasons, teaming the past two seasons with play-by-play man Mike Maniscalco on the Bally Sports South telecasts after a long run with former play-by-play announcer John Forslund. Combining a quick wit with a deep knowledge of the game, the former Harvard and minor-league goalie is very popular among Canes fans and has a strong following on social media.
Tracy tweeted Wednesday morning, indicating he is handling a personal problem that caused his absence.
The tweet: “I am disgusted with myself that on the night @canes win the Metro Division that I was an extremely unimpressive distraction. I accept and know the steps I need to take to deal with this problem. Thank you to all Huge Caniacs for being so incredibly supportive.”
By midday Wednesday, the tweet had more than 3,000 likes, with offers of support from those responding.
The concern level grew quickly Tuesday night when the Hurricanes’ pregame show aired without Tracy before the Canes’ road game against the New York Rangers. Maniscalco handled the pregame interview with Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour, one of Tracy’s game-day duties. Canes fans quickly turned to social media to discuss the situation.
Willis, a former Canes player who co-hosts “Hurricanes LIVE” with Abby Labar, provided the in-game analysis as the Canes won 4-3 to clinch the division title. He will continue in that role, the Hurricanes said Wednesday. Willis is the Hurricanes’ director of youth hockey & community outreach.
The Hurricanes have one remaining regular-season game before beginning the Stanley Cup playoffs next week.
This story was originally published April 27, 2022 at 3:03 PM.
