Tim Hennessy, a fixture in University of North Dakota hockey broadcasting for nearly five decades, learned in early July that his full‑time role would be eliminated. The announcement came as the school overhauled its radio and television production staff, a shift that reflects a broader move away from salaried on‑air talent.
During a meeting with athletic director Bill Chaves and Paul Ralston, Hennessy was told that the men’s hockey radio play‑by‑play slot would now be administered by Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships. Under the new structure, most announcers will be compensated on a game‑by‑game basis rather than receiving a permanent salary.
A career defined by longevity
Hennessy’s voice has been synonymous with UND hockey since the 1970s, guiding listeners through 46 seasons of play. His deep knowledge of the game and steady commentary earned him a loyal audience across Grand Forks and beyond.
The transition has not been without personal challenges. A difficult 2025‑26 season, compounded by health issues that limited his travel for road games, added urgency to the conversation about his future role.
Social media amplified the uncertainty when Fargo radio personality Scott Hennen posted on X that Hennessy had been "fired." Hennessy quickly clarified that he remains hopeful of reaching a new agreement that would allow him to continue calling games, albeit on a per‑game basis.
Ripple effects across the broadcasting landscape
The restructuring at UND is part of a larger trend. Earlier in the year, iHeart Media’s nationwide layoffs impacted the Grand Forks office, shaking the local media ecosystem. Midco Sports, another player in the region’s sports production network, has also been part of the conversation as the university evaluates external partners for its broadcasting needs.
While the exact terms of a potential deal with Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships remain undecided, the model being tested could set a precedent for how colleges manage play‑by‑play talent. Other names associated with the transition, including Darrin Looker, Mike LaMoine, Mike Berg, Dane Jackson, Bryn Chyzyk, Alex Heinert, Brian Shawn and Mitch Wigness, may also see their roles redefined under the new per‑game framework.