Ken Daniels – Detroit Red Wings Broadcaster Marks 30 Years Behind the Mic
Ken Daniels has been the voice of the Detroit Red Wings for 28 seasons, bringing the excitement of hockey into homes across Michigan and beyond. As the play-by-play announcer for the Red Wings on FanDuel Sports Network, Daniels has become synonymous with Detroit hockey. He’s earned both a Regional Emmy Award and the prestigious Ty Tyson Award for Excellence in Sports Broadcasting during his distinguished career.
Beyond the broadcast booth, Daniels has expanded his impact through authorship, penning “If These Walls Could Talk” about the Red Wings organization. The Canadian sportscaster, born in the late 1950s, has established himself as more than just a broadcaster—he’s become a fixture in Detroit sports culture and a respected figure in NHL broadcasting circles.
His commitment extends beyond hockey as the co-founder of the Jamie Daniels Foundation, working to end stigma surrounding addiction. Fans can support this cause by attending charity events like “Pucks for a Purpose,” demonstrating how Daniels has leveraged his platform to make meaningful contributions both on and off the ice.
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Early Life and Education
Ken Daniels grew up in Toronto as a passionate hockey fan, laying the foundation for his later career as the voice of the Detroit Red Wings. His education and early broadcasting experiences shaped his journey in sports commentary.
York University
Ken Daniels attended York University in Toronto, where he developed his broadcasting skills while nurturing his love for sports. During his time at York in the late 1970s, Daniels was actively involved in campus radio, giving him valuable hands-on experience in live sports broadcasting.
At York, Daniels didn’t just focus on hockey. He also covered university basketball and football games, building a versatile portfolio that would later serve him well in his professional career.
His academic work in communications complemented his practical experience, providing the theoretical background needed for a career in broadcasting. Classmates often noted his distinctive voice and natural ability to narrate sporting events with clarity and enthusiasm.
Initial Broadcasting Roles
After graduating, Daniels secured his first professional broadcasting roles, working primarily in radio. His early career included covering Toronto sports for local stations, where he honed his play-by-play skills.
Daniels worked as a fill-in commentator for various sports, demonstrating remarkable adaptability. While hockey remained his passion, he wasn’t afraid to call baseball games when opportunities arose.
In these formative years, Daniels developed his signature broadcasting style. His ability to paint pictures with words caught the attention of broadcasting executives looking for fresh talent.
His work ethic stood out among peers. Daniels often took on additional assignments to gain experience, sometimes working double shifts to cover different sporting events in the same day.
Oshawa Enterprise
Daniels’ time at the Oshawa Enterprise newspaper represented an important chapter in his early career development. While primarily a broadcasting talent, his work in print journalism helped sharpen his storytelling abilities and attention to detail.
At the Enterprise, Daniels covered local sports with the same enthusiasm he brought to bigger markets. His articles about Oshawa’s hockey scene demonstrated his deep understanding of the game and ability to connect with readers.
His experience in Oshawa taught him the value of community sports coverage. Daniels frequently interviewed young athletes, many just starting their careers, giving him perspective that would later inform his major league broadcasting.
The Enterprise years also expanded his contact network in Canadian sports, establishing relationships that would prove valuable throughout his career. Despite being primarily print-focused, Daniels occasionally contributed to local radio during this period, keeping his broadcasting skills sharp.
Broadcasting Career
Ken Daniels has built an impressive broadcasting career spanning decades in hockey. His distinctive voice and insightful commentary have made him a beloved figure among hockey fans across North America.
Hockey Night in Canada
Ken Daniels began his journey to hockey broadcasting prominence with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada, one of the most prestigious hockey broadcasts in the world. During his time at CBC, he established himself as a reliable and knowledgeable voice in Canadian hockey.
Before focusing solely on hockey, Daniels worked as a local and national sports broadcaster for CBC TV. His versatility allowed him to cover various sporting events, including two Olympic Games, showcasing his adaptability as a sportscaster.
Daniels’ time with Hockey Night in Canada helped him develop the broadcasting style that would later define his career. His clear delivery and ability to capture the excitement of games made him stand out among his peers.
Detroit Red Wings Play-By-Play
In 1997, Daniels made the significant career move to become the voice of the Detroit Red Wings. This transition marked the beginning of what would become his signature role in hockey broadcasting.
As of April 2025, Daniels is entering his 25th season as the play-by-play announcer for the Red Wings. This remarkable longevity speaks to both his talent and the connection he’s established with the Detroit fanbase.
Red Wings fans have come to appreciate Daniels for his enthusiastic and insightful commentary. His ability to convey the intensity of games while providing meaningful analysis has made him an integral part of the Red Wings experience for multiple generations of fans.
Television Play-By-Play with Fox Sports Detroit
Daniels’ primary broadcasting home has been with Fox Sports Detroit (now FanDuel Sports Network Detroit), where he’s established himself as the premier voice of Red Wings hockey. His partnership with color commentator Mickey Redmond has created one of the most respected broadcasting duos in the NHL.
Throughout his tenure, Daniels has pushed the boundaries of sports broadcasting. One notable example was his groundbreaking broadcast of the Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators game, which showcased his innovative approach to hockey commentary.
Beyond his regular duties with Detroit, Daniels has expanded his national profile by serving as a hockey voice on Versus/NBC. This additional exposure has helped cement his reputation as one of the most respected play-by-play announcers in hockey broadcasting.
The Voice of the Detroit Red Wings
Ken Daniels has become synonymous with Detroit Red Wings broadcasts, serving as the team’s play-by-play announcer for over two decades. His distinctive voice has carried fans through championships, rebuilds, and countless memorable moments on the ice.
Partnership with Mickey Redmond
The pairing of Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond in the broadcast booth has created one of hockey’s most beloved announcing duos. Since Daniels joined the Red Wings broadcast team in 1997, their chemistry has been undeniable.
Daniels’ precise play-calling complements Redmond’s colorful analysis and signature catchphrases like “bingo-bango” and “holy jumpin’.” This balance gives viewers both technical insight and entertaining commentary.
The duo has called over 1,500 games together, working through three Stanley Cup championships. Their longevity is remarkable in an industry known for frequent turnover.
“They’re like an old married couple,” former Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom once noted. “They finish each other’s sentences and know exactly when to play off one another.”
Legacy at Joe Louis Arena
Daniels’ voice echoed through Joe Louis Arena for 20 seasons, becoming as much a fixture as the building itself. His calls during the final years at the historic venue carried special weight for generations of Wings fans.
The broadcaster’s most memorable Joe Louis moments include the 2002 Stanley Cup run and Pavel Datsyuk’s dazzling highlight-reel goals. His emotion during the arena’s farewell ceremony in 2017 resonated with viewers experiencing the same bittersweet transition.
Daniels’ professionalism during the Joe Louis era earned him industry recognition, including Michigan Sportscaster of the Year honors.
Now in his 25th season as the voice of the Red Wings, Daniels continues bringing the same energy to Little Caesars Arena broadcasts. His voice connects newer fans to the franchise’s storied history and reminds longtime supporters of countless magical nights at The Joe.
Personal Struggles and Advocacy
Behind the broadcasting booth, Ken Daniels has faced profound personal challenges that transformed him into a vocal advocate for addiction awareness and recovery support. His journey from tragedy to advocacy has made significant impacts on addressing the opioid crisis.
Family Tragedy with Addiction
Ken Daniels’ world changed forever on December 7, 2016, when he lost his son Jamie to addiction. Jamie, just 23 years old at the time, battled substance abuse issues before his tragic death. What made the situation even more devastating was the discovery that Jamie’s death was connected to an insurance fraud scheme targeting vulnerable individuals in recovery.
Jamie had been staying at a sober living home in Florida that was allegedly involved in patient brokering—a practice where facilities profit from cycling patients through treatment programs. The investigation revealed that Jamie died from an overdose containing fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that has claimed thousands of lives across America.
This personal tragedy thrust Ken into the harsh realities of America’s opioid crisis, revealing not only the dangers of addiction but also the predatory practices sometimes found in the recovery industry.
Jamie Daniels Foundation
Following his son’s death, Ken channeled his grief into action by establishing the Jamie Daniels Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting youth struggling with substance abuse disorders and their families.
The organization provides grants to community partners that deliver programs, resources, and solutions addressing the ongoing drug epidemic. Their initiatives include:
- Funding for evidence-based treatment programs
- Educational resources for families navigating addiction
- Scholarships for young people seeking recovery support
- Advocacy for improved oversight of treatment facilities
Since its inception, the foundation has raised substantial funds for addiction treatment and prevention programs. Their annual fundraising events have become significant gatherings for those committed to fighting addiction in Detroit and beyond.
Ken’s work through the foundation has helped transform how many view addiction—as a health issue requiring compassionate care rather than stigma and judgment.
Spreading Awareness and Recovery Support
Ken has leveraged his platform as the voice of the Detroit Red Wings to speak openly about addiction. He has appeared on numerous podcasts and television programs to share Jamie’s story and highlight the dangers of both addiction and fraudulent recovery operations.
His advocacy extends to legislative action. Ken has testified before lawmakers, pushing for stricter regulations on sober living homes and treatment facilities. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive background checks for operators and increased accountability in the recovery industry.
“People don’t understand that addiction is a disease,” Ken often says during his presentations. His speaking engagements at schools, community centers, and professional organizations help destigmatize addiction and encourage those struggling to seek help.
Through his broadcasting work, Ken occasionally references resources for those battling addiction, ensuring that his advocacy reaches the widest possible audience.
Legal Challenges Faced
Ken Daniels, the voice of the Detroit Red Wings, faced devastating personal tragedy when his son Jamie died in 2016 amid a web of insurance fraud and addiction treatment scams. This heartbreaking loss exposed serious criminal activity in Florida’s rehabilitation industry.
Insurance Scam Exposure
Ken Daniels discovered his family had become victims of a widespread insurance scam after his son Jamie’s death from an overdose in December 2016. The fraud targeted vulnerable individuals seeking addiction treatment in Florida. Fraudulent charges to Daniels’ insurance related to Jamie’s treatment reportedly approached $60,000.
The scam exploited loopholes in the Affordable Care Act, which required insurance companies to cover addiction treatment. Predatory rehabilitation centers would recruit patients with good insurance coverage, often paying kickbacks for referrals.
Jamie Daniels, just 23 years old, had tried desperately to overcome his addiction before falling victim to these predatory practices. His father has since become an advocate for reform in the addiction treatment industry.
Pursuit of Justice in Palm Beach County
In Palm Beach County, authorities pursued multiple cases against individuals involved in treatment fraud. One significant case involved Dr. Michael Ligotti, who pleaded guilty to ordering unnecessary tests for patients including Jamie Daniels.
Ligotti, 48, admitted to fraud in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach and faced serious consequences:
| Potential Consequences | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Prison Sentence | Up to 20 years |
| Maximum Fine | $250,000 |
| Fraud Period | 2011-2020 |
Ken Daniels worked closely with investigators to help build cases against those responsible for exploiting addiction patients. The pursuit of justice became a mission for the grieving father, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar trauma.
Sober Living Home Investigations
Federal investigators uncovered extensive fraud in Palm Beach County’s sober living industry. Kenneth Chatman emerged as a central figure in these investigations, operating facilities that allegedly prioritized insurance billing over patient care.
These sober homes often maintained unsafe conditions while billing insurance companies for treatments that weren’t provided. E:60 highlighted this story, showing how sober homes would sometimes enable drug use rather than prevent it.
Patients like Jamie Daniels were often shuffled between facilities to maximize insurance payouts. The investigation revealed how some facilities would even provide drugs to patients to trigger relapses, allowing for readmission and additional billing cycles.
Ken Daniels has transformed his grief into advocacy, speaking publicly about these predatory practices and working to save others from similar fates.
Legacy and Impact on Sports Broadcasting
Ken Daniels has cemented his place in hockey broadcasting history through his remarkable tenure as the voice of the Detroit Red Wings since 1997. His distinctive play-by-play style has become synonymous with Red Wings hockey for nearly three decades.
What sets Daniels apart is his ability to capture the excitement of each moment while providing insightful analysis. His famous “He shoots, he SCORES!” call has become iconic among Detroit fans and hockey enthusiasts throughout Michigan.
Daniels has witnessed and narrated three Stanley Cup championships during his time with the Red Wings. This longevity has allowed him to document some of the most significant moments in franchise history.
Beyond his broadcasting achievements, Daniels has expanded his influence as an author and advocate. Following personal tragedy, he has used his platform to raise awareness about substance abuse issues, showing how sports broadcasters can leverage their visibility for social good.
Young broadcasters frequently cite Daniels as an influence for his preparation, professional delivery, and ability to connect with audiences. His broadcasting style balances technical hockey knowledge with accessibility for casual fans.
Daniels’ contributions to sports broadcasting have been recognized throughout the industry. His work exemplifies how a broadcaster can become intrinsically linked to a team’s identity while maintaining journalistic integrity and earning respect from colleagues, players, and fans alike.
Community Impact and Charitable Work
Ken Daniels has channeled his personal tragedy into meaningful community involvement. His charitable work spans from local initiatives in his hometown to supporting addiction recovery organizations nationwide.
Birmingham, Michigan Community
Ken Daniels has deep roots in Birmingham, Michigan, where he’s become a respected community figure beyond his broadcasting role. The Detroit Red Wings announcer regularly participates in local fundraisers and charity events that benefit area youth programs and sports initiatives.
Daniels frequently speaks at Birmingham schools about broadcasting careers and the importance of community service. His involvement with the Birmingham Youth Assistance Program has helped provide resources for at-risk children.
During the holidays, Daniels coordinates equipment drives for underprivileged youth hockey players. These efforts have collected thousands of pieces of equipment over the years.
The local business association recognized Daniels with their Community Service Award in 2023 for his dedication to Birmingham’s development and support of local charities.
Support for Beachway Therapy Center
Following the tragic loss of his son Jamie to an opioid overdose, Daniels became a vocal advocate for addiction treatment. He formed a partnership with Beachway Therapy Center to increase access to quality treatment programs.
Daniels established the Jamie Daniels Foundation, administered by the Children’s Hospital foundation, which provides scholarships for those seeking treatment at facilities like Beachway.
His work with Beachway includes regular speaking engagements where he shares his family’s story. These powerful talks have helped reduce stigma around addiction treatment.
The foundation has raised over $1.2 million for addiction treatment programs since its inception in 2018, with much of that funding directed to Beachway and similar facilities.
Daniels received the Neal Shine Award for Media Commitment to Philanthropy in 2021, recognizing his dedication to addiction awareness advocacy.
Influence Beyond Hockey
Ken Daniels has extended his broadcasting talents beyond the Detroit Red Wings booth, contributing to other sports and bringing his distinctive voice to different platforms across North America and internationally.
Contributions to Baseball Broadcasting
Before becoming the voice of the Detroit Red Wings, Daniels built an impressive resume in baseball broadcasting. He worked for “The Fan” radio station in Toronto, covering the Blue Jays during their championship seasons in the early 1990s.
His baseball commentary style differed from his hockey approach, emphasizing the game’s rhythm and strategic elements rather than the fast-paced excitement of hockey. Daniels often credits his baseball experience for teaching him the art of filling airtime during slower moments—a skill that’s invaluable in any broadcasting role.
While hockey became his primary focus, Daniels occasionally returns to baseball commentary during the NHL off-season. His versatility as a broadcaster has made him a respected figure across multiple sports in the Canadian broadcasting landscape.
Inspirations from Seoul Broadcasting Experience
Daniels’ lesser-known international work includes a stint with Seoul Broadcasting System during the early part of his career. This experience shaped his approach to sports narration in profound ways.
During his time in Seoul, Daniels learned to communicate across cultural barriers, developing a more universal style of commentary. He often mentions how the Seoul experience taught him to describe action more vividly, knowing his audience might not have the same baseline understanding of the sport.
The techniques Daniels developed in Seoul became particularly valuable when presenting hockey to new fans. As the NHL expanded its global reach, his ability to make the game accessible to newcomers has been an asset for Detroit Red Wings broadcasts.
This international perspective gives Daniels’ commentary a distinctive quality that separates him from many of his peers in NHL broadcasting.
