Dallas Stars announcer Dave Strader diagnosed with cancer

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Stars announcer Dave Strader has been diagnosed with cancer.

The team is declining to release details about the 61-year-old Strader’s illness or treatment. The announcement Monday came a year after Strader was hired to replace longtime Dallas play-by-play voice Ralph Strangis.

Stars president Jim Lites said the club was “deeply saddened” by the diagnosis and offered thoughts to his wife, Colleen Strader, their three children and the children’s families. Strader, who has 36 years of broadcasting experience, said he was “ready to meet this challenge.”

Before joining the TV and radio simulcast with the Stars, Strader spent four seasons with the NBC Sports Network. He has also called the Winter Olympics and served stints with Florida, Phoenix and Detroit in the NHL.