Hailey Hunter, who covered the Pittsburgh Penguins for SportsNet Pittsburgh, confirmed that she won’t be returning for the 2026-27 NHL season.

The Penguins were said to have decided against continuing with her after she spent three seasons there.

This announcement was made on Wednesday, June 17, with SportsNet Pittsburgh releasing a statement saying that they will be starting a nationwide search for her replacement.

“We are grateful for all of Hailey’s contributions during her time at SportsNet Pittsburgh. We wish her the very best in her future endeavors,” reads a statement provided by SportsNet Pittsburgh. “We will soon begin a nationwide search for a rinkside reporter for our Penguins coverage.”

Hunter gave her comments to TribLive about the situation and what she has been told.

"Unfortunately, I was told the Penguins have decided that they simply wanted to move in a different direction with the role," she said on June 18. "I really wasn't given any details, but I understand that's the business we are in."

There was no more explanation given by SportsNet Pittsburgh or the Penguins organization to the public. The timing and suddenness of the decision drew attention, as it came only a month after Hunter’s wedding. She got married to Gage Posey on May 16.

The responses from the public on social media showed both shock and disappointment. This was because there was a huge crowd who followed Hunter's work all this time. 

It was also reported by Awful Announcing that around 60 colleagues from across SportsNet Pittsburgh and the Penguins organization had planned to gather with her in the coming days after this announcement was made.

As of now, the Penguins want to pursue a different direction with her role.

Three seasons behind the bench and around the Penguins

Hunter came aboard during the 2023–24 season, helping cover the same franchise her father, Tim Hrynewich, represented in 55 games between 1982 and 1984.

She first got into the role of rinkside reporter, which placed her at the center of the team's broadcast coverage. Before that, Hunter covered golf for Golf Channel and PGA Tour Entertainment since the Ohio University graduate was also a golfer.

Her resume also includes working as a team reporter and hosting for the New York Islanders during the 2021-22 season.

Over the last three seasons, she took the player and coach interviews, contributed to the feature stories, and also covered the games.

During her time with the Penguins, she covered the transition of the team. This was the same team that won two Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017, who are now moving into a much slower period with their ageing core members.

Her career with SportsNet Pittsburgh is now closed. This leaves her open and ready for the next opportunity ahead.

What do you think of SportsNet Pittsburgh's decision? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar