Rogers hires Friedman, Oake to continue on 'Hockey Night in Canada'

TORONTO - "Hockey Night In Canada" veterans Elliotte Friedman and Scott Oake are joining the Rogers NHL broadcast team.

Rogers says Friedman will continue his role as an insider and reporter. He will make his Sportsnet TV debut on July 1 during coverage of NHL free agency.

Oake will appear on "Hockey Night in Canada" on Saturdays and other national NHL broadcasts across Rogers platforms beginning in the fall.

Scott Moore, Rogers' president of NHL & Sportsnet, called Friedman and Oake "important mainstays on 'Hockey Night in Canada.'"

Friedman has been a part of CBC's "Hockey Night in Canada" for 11 years while Oake has been there 25.

Rogers secured a blockbuster $5.2-billion deal for exclusive NHL rights in November. The new agreement begins with the 2014-15 season.