After eight seasons as a beloved gameday fixture, the versatile Oilers TV host bids an emotional farewell to Edmonton while preparing for a major new career chapter.
Tony Brar is leaving the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers TV Host & Reporter had been with the team for eight seasons and in a heartfelt note to fans and the organization, he said goodbye on Monday afternoon.
He talked about joining the team in August of 2018, hoping to live out a childhood dream. He then said, "Today, I leave having lived something much greater."
Brar was the gameday host, did intermission rundowns on the screen in the arena, and was a host on the Oilers Now and social media channels for the team. I personally worked alongside him one night to see his routine, and he was generally one of the hardest workers. He has an incredibly upbeat personality and the fact he's leaving the Oilers logically means he's got something bigger cooking.
He noted, "I leave as a man who was given opportunities he couldn’t even dream of. Thousands of interviews. Hundreds of games. Countless flights, practices, morning skates, playoff nights and moments that shaped me. I will carry them with me forever."
Until an official announcement, I won't share what I've heard might be happening. What I will say is that whatever Brar might be doing next, he's deserving.
"There is sadness in saying goodbye. But there is also an overwhelming amount of gratitude. I arrived here chasing a dream. I leave ready to chase another. Edmonton, you will always be home."
As for who comes into replace Brar, or if his on-screen partner in Paige Martin is taking on the duties by herself, that much is unclear. However, with training camp around the corner and with games not far off, it's likely the Oilers will have a decision made soon enough.
The reactions to the news from fans and fellow members of the media spoke to how highly Brar is regarded.
Mark Spector wrote, "To call Tony a great guy is a vast understatement. The positivity he brings to the rink every day is infectious, and at a time where he have enough to complain about, that trait makes Tony one of my favorite people. Don't know where he's going, but they're getting a steal."
Woz of Daily Faceoff Edmonton shared his thoughts: "Let me tell you, I met Tony in my first week in the NAIT broadcasting program. He was a semester ahead of me. But from that brief interaction and watching him hone his craft, I could tell he was going to be great wherever he ended up. His charisma and energy were simply unmatched. We throw the word 'Aura' around a lot nowadays, but back in 2017, HE had it, and you just knew he was destined to do something awesome in his career. I'm excited to see what's next for him, and what a top-notch ambassador he's been for Oil Country."
Derek Van Diest of NHL.com added, "Best of luck in your next endeavour Tony. You are a true professional through and through. Enjoyed working alongside Tony for these past eight years. Best of luck in your next adventure my friend."
