Darren Dutchyshen: 1966 - 2024

Long-time TSN broadcaster Darren Dutchyshen passed away on Wednesday. He was 57. Rod Smith, who worked alongside Darren for many years, remembers the career and life of our beloved friend and teammate.

[@therealestnoah]

One of the titans of Canadian broadcasting, RIP Dutchy😢

[@ryanlerman4401]

Yup

[@Trackratz-zl9di]

I remember when his brother Andy was convicted of killing his wife , I never believed he did it . I was glad when he escaped prison and went to Mexico , I heard his friend joined him years later .

[@craigusselman546]

Such a shock Rip Dutch😢

[@adamlee007]

Ty ty ty

[@kevinqn3221]

*Feel like we just loss a family member, he was that close*

[@billystan2403]

An entire generation grew up watching this legend. Very sorry and condolences to Dutch’s family.

[@cdizzle]

Dutchie was nothing short of a beauty and an absolute beast. 57 is too young. Rest in peace.

[@cindyhaduik7171]

Way too young 😢

[@domenicgalata1470]

It’s a sad reminder to get yourself to a doctor and get checked out. Prostate exams are uncomfortable but early detection gives you a big chance to get rid of it.

[@jasonk4315]

Sadly, likely another victim of Pfizer

[@troublesomerocky9783]

@@domenicgalata1470 he got hit with cancer twice before that as well. Never had any luck with his health

[@superbeesuperbee7696]

@@domenicgalata1470its a minute of abit of embarrasment for someone but ull be greatful u had it checked ive never liked it but i do it every yearly physical

[@robm9999]

I’m 56, have Prostate Cancer, and have watched Dutchie for decades. This strikes close to home on many fronts and I can only imagine what his family is going through right now. I send my sincere condolences to Darren’s family and all his friends.

[@thomaslabelle3093]

RIP Dutchy and I truly hope you win your personal battle, best wishes from over here for sure.

[@southpaw788]

You fools just don't get it. Ever since he was fully vaccinated is when he started to deteriorate. On June 16th, 2021 Dutch posted on twitter he was fully vaccinated......"Safe & effective" folks. Wake up people!

[@288theabe]

You got this, dude

[@JK-0playa]

Good luck big guy. Don’t live in fear and take all the support in.

[@jamiehammond7401]

Sorry 😞 hope u be better.

[@J-de3zs]

Childhood memories... Getting ready for school with sportscenter in the background, listening to Darren Dutchyshen commentate the highlights. Going to miss him.😔 Rip Dutchy.

[@KyleJustinLyons]

Dude I was JUST about to comment this, as a kid growing up in the late 90's/2000's listening to him every morning was the PERFECT start to my day. R.I.P "Dutchy" 😭😭😭

[@Wuce_Brayne]

Right in the feels... Bang on man, this guy impacted so many of us. Gone too soon 😢

[@norasagharian5596]

@@KyleJustinLyons same here :((((

[@pf8380]

💯

[@grantp4022]

Dutchy was one of a kind, and stood apart from the rest of the team, always very upbeat, and happy. A lot of us will miss him greatly. I was shocked and very moved when I read this. RIP Dutchy.

[@KillerManzarek]

As a French Canadian, I watch TSN more than RDS because of people like him. RIP Dutch

[@sergiomomesso982]

same here, he was the best. Rest in peace Dutch 🙏🙏🙏

[@stormshadow3650]

No one cares what nationally you are we are all one human beings " all nationallys watch tsn " French Canadians are known for being rude and too perfect for other people. There!

[@bentencho]

As synonymous with TSN as anyone. One of the pillars of Canadian TV.... RIP.

[@stevencooke6451]

Impossible to think of TSN and not think of him. A great decision to hire him and give us so much joy.

[@kurtwpg]

He had his own Sports show in Edmonton, he must have been in his early 20s. He was fantastic.

[@happycanayjian1582]

Man, this one hurts. When Dutchy did that Sandra Schmirler tribute, my dad was in the hospital undergoing chemo for leukaemia and I happened to be visiting him. He was such a fan of Sandra’s, being from Saskatchewan and all, and I remember he started to cry at the news of her passing and Dutchy’s tribute, something I never saw him do before. Just 13 days later, my father would succumb to his illness as well. RIP, Darren. You were a beauty.

[@geraldpirioua7857]

I'm french guy, from France, and i knew, recognise and appreciate this great journalist.

[@mathieu100]

Ont sens CALISSS que tu viennes de la France

[@FFF-leq]

What does your nationality have to do with anything? Weird comment

[@glennhankins6927]

Thank you, Gerald.

[@mr.robert3137]

Being from France makes this more impactful.

[@jeanbanbois3940]

@@mathieu100tu pourrais commencer par apprendre à écrire le Français, connard.

[@daviau7884]

It’s crazy how someone you never met but see on tv everyday becomes like a part of you. Condolences to family and friends.

[@AnotherAverageCanuck]

TSN won’t be the same without him. Thank you Dutch for talking sports and brining a smile to all Canadians every night.

[@03blaird]

I just realized how iconic his voice is. When I think of sportcentre, all that comes to mind is his voice. He was sportscentre. Period. Don't think there will be another like him. Rest in peace big man!

[@Lewis94]

Him and Rod Smith are the voices of SC. No one else comes close.

[@Caleyfan86]

A legend. He lived next to my grade 2 teacher. I remember she told the class that after a massive snow storm he was up at 5:30am shoveling her drive so that she could get to work. Pure class

[@adrianlindsay3194]

What a UNIT! I'm sorry he's gone but thankful for all the laughs and good times along the way. Also grateful to have grown up in the same province. Will miss you Dutch. RIP

[@snowman22ism]

This one hurts. I grew up in Alberta and loved watching Dutch do the sports highlights every night on his own show. When I moved to Ontario I was excited when I found out he had joined TSN. This is a tough one.. Thanks for everything Dutch. You are one of the best.

[@penguinpie5056]

similar story for me. grew up with him on itv in edmonton and was pleasantly surprised to see him on TSN when i moved to ontario. he knew his stuff and always seemed like an authentic guy. My respects to the man and his family. He definitely made his mark.

[@schtuga]

He was so good on ITV, that you knew once TSN started, it was only a matter of time before he made the move. RIP Dutch

[@kmccamis]

It really does. Bad yrs in school for me and the only way I got through it was TSN with Darren.

[@martymilner6714]

As an Edmontonian, we had the pleasure of watching Dutch hone in craft on local ITV. I know that many of us we proud to have him as our “adopted son” when he went onto greater things with TSN. Although your stay in Edmonton was brief, Thanks Dutch for making our small piece of the world a better place. Rest in peace Sir

[@moemanncann895]

Agreed, there was no question which channel we would tune into for sports growing up in Edmonton. Passion and enthusiasm in spades, a person almost knew he wasn’t going to stay local for long. Rest in Peace Darren

[@sports2hedz542]

Curious what years did he host in Edmonton?

[@moemanncann895]

@@sports2hedz542 He joined TSN in 1995 was in Edmonton for 7 years prior, started broadcasting in his home province.

[@martymilner6714]

@@sports2hedz542 he came to TSN from Edmonton IN 1995, so you can surmise that he was with Edmonton ITV in the early 1990’s ( best guess)

[@Bigern2998]

Loved him on ITV in the 90s. Him and good old Bob Layton.

[@STARREDGE]

I grew up watching dutchy from 95 until recently, he will be dearly missed ❤ rest in peace big man

[@evileyeball]

.

[@JoeLouis-hc7mm]

Yea remember seeing him as a kid on tsn

[@itsgryme1081]

Whoa, this is sad news. Dutch was a mainstay in every Canadian home growing up. He will be missed. RIP brother

[@danielcarter94]

RIP Dutch. As an immigrant to Ontario in the early 2000’s, Dutch and TSN taught me Hockey. Sad to hear of Darren’s passing.

[@humanbeing2420]

I'm American and was not familiar with his work, but he seems like a remarkable guy and a great broadcaster. RIP.

[@Onlytheclouds]

If you grew up in the 90s and 00s this guy was on your tv every day. Gone too soon. Rest easy Dutchy.

[@AAAFilm-yt7gx]

Damn.... only 4 years older than me, will never forget him, a legend. 😢

[@jimdraven2432]

My father's favourite broadcaster (which Darren thought was awesome), I met Mr. Dutchyshen a few times over the last year or so at Sunnybrook Hospital here in Toronto, where both of had been going for cancer related appointments. He looked good, though it was obvious the cancer hadn't been eradicated totally. He & his wife were lovely people, & my thoughts and prayers are there for his family & friends. R.I.P. sir, it was an honour to make your acquaintance & share some funny sports moments with you.

[@Landis_Grant]

sir?

[@stevestevens243]

He really seems like he lived out his life the way he wanted. I hope you are doing well on your journey. Life becomes a lot more precious when you get that news ❤

[@peterpeltekoff168]

Every morning for my entire childhood I watched TSN before going to school. Always loved Dutchyshen. He will be greatly missed.

[@de132]

As an American, TSN's coverage was something I got to see only occasionally, but I always remembered Dutch. Someone that good at his job sticks out even when you're just a kid. He is a legend, an integral part of sports coverage in Canada, and will certainly be missed. RIP.

[@perfectlyon3435]

You will never find a sports broadcaster anywhere more universally loved than Dutchy. He always brought that extra style to your highlight packages that gave them more life even though you couldn't care about the teams playing.

[@BrickBoneWPG]

Feels like a loss of a family member . Growing up always watching SC with Dutch. So many memories.

[@ryanlerman4401]

You got that right.

[@35jigganator]

My heart hurts today. I absolutely loved the way he did the highlights of every sport , with his signature ''BANG!'' when either a baseball was hit hard for a home run or a one timer in hockey. He was elite at his job and I can't remember ANYONE complaining about his work. An absolute beauty taken way too soon, RIP Dutchy 😢

[@grekounas]

Man, i barely remember a time when he wasn't on TSN. RIP Dutch.

[@LateNightwithBroski]

Thank you for getting me through my teens/early adulthood. Love ya Dutch.

[@uknownutin3528]

RIP Dutchy. We lost a great one today. Thanks for all the memories

[@taxninja2519]

Dutch was a staple of sports where I live. Thanks for enriching our lives.

[@ddswong]

This is a hard one....got to think of Dutchy whenever talking about great Canadian Sportscasters...you will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest Well, Darren. You were amongst the BEST!!!

[@donm8363]

Rest In Peace Dutch. I have had the privilege of meeting you several times and always a laugh was present. Thank you for your love of sports. God Bless Dutch. You’ll be missed.

[@747Cone]

I remember Dutchy from his ITV days in Edmonton and then on to TSN. Was such a nice guy. Condolences to his loved ones. RIP

[@timdyson5036]

Yup,I lived downtown Edmonton in early 90s ,watched him every night,wow can't believe he is gone

[@moemanncann895]

The lively, sometimes heated on air debates with local broadcasting legend Bryan Hall on anything sports was memorable and highly entertaining

[@leeclark9625]

Man.... Waking up to this news was both shocking and tough. As a Saskatchewan kid who loved sports and was proud of where I came from, I can't think of somebody who embodied Saskatchewan better than Dutchy. My childhood memories of watching SportsDesks and SportsCenter are filled with Dutchy and I actually had the opportunity to meet him a few times. Super kind and nice and always took a few minutes out of his day to chat about sports and take pictures. He will definitely be missed.

[@jeffreyhowe2605]

That voice. That smile. Pure adolescent memories of him covering all the biggest highlight packages both joyous or painful. Part of the fabric of all of our lives, taken far too soon. Rest well, Dutch. ❤

[@rorytekanoff7459]

Although I didn't know him from my home province of Sask, I did meet him years ago at TSN Studios in Toronto. I was visiting my friend Jim Van Horne in studio and I met Dutch. He was a remarkable and affable guy and once he knew I was from Saskatchewan. as he was, the floodgates of friendship and camaraderie opened. He's going to be missed by family, friends colleagues and fans of his work. RIP Dutch.

[@bkovic]

Darren is an absolute legend and made the broadcasts next level.

[@darcymacdonald2323]

From Edmonton, thanks for the great memories, RIP Dutch....

[@Kohohockey66]

NOOOOO! 😢 This guy was my whole childhood! I love you Dutch! Thank you for everything!!❤👊🏻 Rest in Paradise!!

[@kridanchaleeamphaiphong6775]

2 legends gone in such a short time of each other. Bob’s voice for the games you could watch and Dutch’s for the games you couldn’t. Thanks for everything boys.

[@poolside123canadian7]

Nobody in this country watched CFL without Dutchy along side them. Nobody in this country watched sports without Dutchy even when he wasn’t there. He was. Let his light shine on this beautiful country & its beautiful sports. I grew up with Dutch at TSN consistently. He was always there man! RIP Dutch! God Bless.

[@coops1992]

Is this Canada or US? he was American?

[@josefclarke4958]

Well said man.

[@josefclarke4958]

@@coops1992 he was from Saskatchewan.

[@ThirdEyeClear]

Hearing the news this morning felt like a gut punch. Always loved his on and off air personality. My sympathies to his family and the TSN crew.

[@theawesomedad2245]

The tears coming from my eyes are thank yous for all the nights you kept me company. I spent so much time alone as child that TSN was like a warm blanket that made me feel safe. Thank you Darren Dutchysen and TSN. RIP Dutchy.

[@canadianmeatpie8245]

Aww Dutch, this news hit hard today, always loved listening to Dutch doing sports highlights, he was the best at it. We will miss you Dutch 😢. RIP, Heaven just got a bit more jolly

[@chessbrah]

spent my entire childhood watching Darren. RIP, you are a legend in Canada

[@skatedurr]

same, dd was my fav

[@ryangross6599]

there are still so many games, top 10s and highlights that I remember more with his voice than any announcer calling the game

[@SurfingTheSoundwaves]

I grew up in Edmonton, and grew up listening to Dutchie. This is absolutely devastating news. Rest easy sir, and thank you.

[@JetsWBB]

Three decades & many hrs of my life were spent watching Dutchy squeeze every bit of juice out of sports highlights. His style, smile, wit & energy will leave an imprint at the TSN sports desk as big as the man himself! Rest peacefully big fella!

[@moniqueengleman873]

Beautiful Memorial. I wish I had known him. RIP Dutch. Seems like a great guy.

[@Pensfan-xw2zi]

He was TSN to me for many years of my life. He will be missed. RIP ❤

[@TheFiend83]

Canada lost a broadcasting legend. Grew up watching you. Wont be the same. RIP Dutchy!

[@EckHockey]

Fell in love with hockey watching Dutchie and the boys on TSN. RIP, will be sorely missed

[@wbj2000]

Dutchy, a true Canadian sports media icon. I watched his sports coverage from his days in Saskatchewan to his rise in TSN. Years of enjoying his wit and obvious passion for sports he covered was was what stood out to me. He always seemed happy and loved what he did. He will be missed by sports fans across the nation. My condolences to his friends and family.

[@georgebisson628]

Wonderful tribute. The most recognized voice on sports centre. He was great at what he did. Rest easy big guy, gone far too soon. ❤️

[@johnnyraven4217]

First watched him in Edmonton in the 1090s. This guy was a pleasure to tune into. He WAS the show . Yet sincere .

[@sonnyc3826]

1090? youve been around for quite awhile are you of this world or obviously otherwordly? whats the secret of living over 1000 years?

[@seal9454]

​@sonnyc3826 Just choose not to die.

[@sonnyc3826]

@@seal9454 ok i will

[@applepieclub5012]

This is heartbreaking. He was so consistent in my life when it came to sports highlights, that I kind of took for granted that he won't be there forever. Condolences to his friends and loved ones. Rest in Peace, Dutch

[@BobzUrUncle-te6dj]

TSN Sportscentre with Jen Hedger and Dutch was a Canadian Sports broadcasting icon. Watched him for years and years. LOVED his BIG voice, and attitude and his great suits, but it was his zest and passion for delivering sports highlights each and everyday that made him great, and will make me miss him. Two thumbs up! Dutchy, you were a beauty!! Rest in Peace, Dutch.

[@GOCHASE1T]

As a kid i remember watching sportscenter and as i grew up i swear he never aged.. and never skipped a beat. Me and my small group of friends have adored hockey since we were 5, im 31 now and i feel that its only right to comment on this legendary human being, ive always loved watching hockey but he made the highlights more entertaining than the game sometimes.. Thank you for the countless memories, i wish that kids now could experience sportscenter highlights with you hosting. Rest in paradise Dutchy ❤

[@cypedersen7782]

Hard to believe we shall never hear that voice call a highlight pack again

[@The_Music_Sanctuary]

RIP Dutchie and thanks for the memories, you were a classic sports broadcaster. The sports segment on ITV/Global here in Edmonton has never been the same after you departed for the big leagues at TSN....rest well Dutch...🙏

[@19522007]

I can't watch baseball highlights without remembering his " back to back jacks" quote. RIP Dutch you were one of the greats

[@logowatchman]

I have watched Dutch right from the very start of his years with TSN and loved his style and enthusiasm. Nice job TSN. You captured the man in this tribute. RIP my friend.

[@Hodag37]

He was one of the pillars of the golden age of the TSN era. I loved his personality and what he brought to sports broadcasting. He would go off script, wasn't afraid to joke and make it his own. RIP Dutchy!

[@datriaxsondor590]

Oh, man. I grew up watching Darren. He was awesome, and one of the key reasons I ever watched TSN. RIP, buddy. I can't believe this. Comes out of nowhere.

[@davidbendayan5612]

Crossed paths with Dutch many times in downtown Toronto, we went to the same YMCA. Always said hello to one another and occasionally chatted about hockey. Sending my condolences to his family and those closest to him. He was a special guy that will surely be missed.

[@moimolina7919]

Much respect to an integral pro and may I say what a marvelous tribute from his brothers in arms at TSN. I really feel it for you guys over there. Beautiful video boys🙌🏻

[@hitmenrule09]

RIP Dutch you were Sportscenter and always made us as viewers feel like your friend. 😢

[@RobertTerbrugge]

Authentic. That was his trademark, he was very much an honest journalist with his heart on his sleeve. His early passing reminds everyone to cherish each day. Retire early if you can.

[@robertbrown8900]

"Back to back jacks!", when 2 teammates hit consecutive homeruns..... "back, back, back, back, back... gone!" - when someone hit a tapemeasure homerun. Dutchy lit up the screen from his first day on TSN. I can remember my brother and I talking about the new guy on TSN - the big guy, Darren Something - we couldn't even say his last name.. Lol. But he will be missed. Thank you for giving so much to so many, Dutch. Prayers to his family.

[@kristinakins]

Touching tribute. My first year in journalism school, a classmate who worked at TSN scored me an interview with Jennifer hedger for a first class assignment/interview. And that was to interview our role model or someone we adnire in the field. Meeting her was beyond dreams for me, 17, away from home and just starting college. I bring this up because in this tribute, it certainly appears me that this man was clearly the person that my idol admires and respects in the industry. Thats a pretty cool and rare moment to see and gain appreciation for what came before them, and to see who inspired them. Thanks Dutchy for a lifetime of delivering sports to our nation, and sharing the stories and moments that keep Canada close. Rest in peace

[@danielbraccio2930]

I always got excited seeing his highlight package. He was on point and had a way with words when describing sports. You will be missed sir. RIP ❤

[@SCAMDEMIC2023]

R.I.P. Darren you were amazing. Your enthusiasm was contagious. We will miss you.

[@debhowse5975]

Perfect tribute. Tears but so happy I heard him on Sports Centre.

[@wickypal2299]

The absolute best at going over the games highlights, added his own insight and commentary, always positive with his exuberant flair. When I think of TSN, old school from the beginning, he's there. Sadly now he leaves a void. Thank you Dutchy. RIP

[@Deer_Dodger]

Dutchy was an absolute beauty, easily one of the most memorable and recognizable voices attached to a highlight package. Canada just lost another great in sports broadcasting, rest in peace big guy. 💔

[@JH-gf4cm]

Shocking to read this. Haven't lived in Canada in a long time and was devastated to see he died. Dutch was a beaut! RIP!

[@LiamHunt]

Thank you Dutch!! Canada will remember you as the icon you are

[@jgulli01]

RIP Dutch. You were a part of our days for nearly 30 years on TSN Thank you for making our sports news come to life! You were a true pro! As a kid I always remember thinking “man, Dutch is JACKED! He should be a linebacker in the CFL!”- Thanks for the great memories! Rest easy big guy! Our lives were all a bit better because of you!

[@manofx5824]

I've watched this man for decades, starting with Sports Night in Edmonton. I'm surprisingly emotional. RIP!

[@moemanncann895]

Was that the show with Bryan Hall?

[@johnmclaren7059]

That was a nice tribute, Dutch was an awesome commentator and I looked forward to watching him . He’s now sitting in his chair at the big desk up in sports heaven surrounded by the rest of the greats! Thanks Darren for all the years of commentating on the sports world , you will be missed 👍🇨🇦

[@grizzlycanuk8622]

Wow so sad so young RIP Dutch.l remember him coming thru Edmonton,he had a presence and you knew he was going places.l will miss you bud

[@matthewsommerville8911]

😢😢😢 I don't remember a time when Dutch wasn't on TSN. This news hit me harder than I thought it would. Rest in peace Dutch😢

[@moemanncann895]

Edmonton was blessed with this young enthusiastic sports host on ITV, now Global for 7 years prior to ‘95

[@goodflop255]

RIP Dutch, thanks for your great work

[@randomname9758]

Rest in peace. Dutch was a big part of my youth. Heck, we're similar age but I grew up watching him on TSN. Like he said he was healthy for 55 years of his life and then suddenly it hits you. Life isn't fair.

[@henrychenier3693]

Larger than life Dutchy was ... he will be missed! Sorry for all sportscasters at TSN for your lose in good friend and colleague! RIP ... 😢

[@ryanlerman4401]

Agreed.

[@GameQuitters]

Absolute beauty - so many good memories of Dutchy from my childhood. RIP hero.

[@Bulkk-Up]

I am so devastated. I grew up watching Dutchy and Jay. True Canadian legend. RIP Dutch 🙏

[@HandsomeDanVacationRentals]

Dutch was a titan of sports broadcasting. I didn't know him personally but my thoughts are with the Dutchyshen family, and those who knew him best, at this time. RIP Dutch. You made many people's lives more colorful and interesting and you can't ask for a better legacy than that.

[@headintheclouds6935]

This is absolutely flooring. Thank you for everything you did Dutchy - you were an integral part of my childhood that I never realized until now. Thank you and rest peacefully

[@nickdion1908]

Sad news, didnt realize how much his voice was the soundtrack to my childhood morning. Really love that guy. Praying for his family.

[@jjay1035]

I'm going to miss hearing your voice on the highlights Dutchie! R.i.p. ❤

[@tedmacleod6942]

Thank you, Dutchy. For being a friend without knowing who I am. To a fellow Saskatchewanite, Rider fan and Sask tough friend, I will miss you. RIP, friend.

[@shaunjensen571]

I remember dutchie in Edmonton doing sports night at 11 pm on ITV. Will miss this man

[@Rosewood185]

Me too❤

[@stackthepadsgoaltending]

Oh wow 😢 I had the privilege of meeting Dutch during an Argos game several years ago. It was like we had known each other forever. He even hugged me as we said goodbye. Maybe a 5 minute conversation but it was amazing. Thank you for your time Dutch. RIP 😢

[@Lewis94]

You got that right. I interviewed him once years ago. He had time for EVERYONE.

[@brandonmartin9498]

This hits you right in the childhood, a legend that will be missed.

[@mccullochmike]

Before TSN, Dutchy was the host of Sports Night on ITV. That's where I first observed the difference between a sportscaster and an extremely talented sportscaster. His energy, his knowledge, his passion was unbelievable. A fantastic story teller who summarized plays with passion and spot on analysis. So entertaining. 57 is too young, but what a great 57 he had

[@IPv6Freely]

This is crushing. RIP Dutchy. A huge part of my life growing up, watching him every day on TSN.

[@TacTixHD]

One of the TSN Goats for sure. RIP Dutchy