Oilers Iconic Broadcaster Lands Massive Role in Stanley Cup Final That Has Fans Excited

Though Principe has been a staple at Oilers games since coming to Sportsnet in 2001, he was not always part of the national TV crew deep into the playoffs.

Kyle Bukauskas was the in-rink reporter during last year's finals

Kyle Bukauskas did rinkside reporting for both the Western Conference Final and the Stanley Cup Final last season.

Principe, known as much for his puns, props, and light touch, will bring the same recognizable flair to hockey's biggest stage.

'I thought to myself, 'People come home from work, they've had a good day or bad day, everyone's got their issues to deal with,'' said Principe in a 2024 interview with Offside about his coverage style. 'I thought when they turn on the TV, I want to put them in a good mood and set the tone positively.

'There was the decade of darkness where [I] felt like I really had to do it, there is no darkness now, it's all light with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and company, but I've just kind of kept doing it,' he added.

The Oilers will have home ice advantage, with Game 1 beginning next week on Wednesday at Rogers Place.

2025 Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup Final schedule
Wednesday, June 4: Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers
Friday, June 6: Florida at Edmonton
Monday, June 9: Edmonton at Florida
Thursday, June 12: Edmonton at Florida
Saturday, June 14: Florida at Edmonton
Tuesday, June 17: Edmonton at Florida
Friday, June 20: Florida at Edmonton

Face-off for each game will be at 6 p.m. MT.