Ron MacLean Apologizes On-Air for Controversial Comments During Stanley Cup Final

Ron MacLean attends the 2026 Canadian Screen Awards at CBC Broadcast Centre on May 31, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Jeremychanphotography/Getty Images)

Ron MacLean apologised on-air for comments he made during Sportsnet’s coverage of Game 6 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers that sparked criticism. The veteran broadcaster admitted his error during the second interval of the NHL Stanley Cup Final. The incident ignited a hot topic among hockey fans as clips of the exchange went viral on social media. The controversy added another layer to an already big night in the NHL match today between two teams vying for the Stanley Cup.

Ron MacLean addresses controversy during NHL Stanley Cup Final broadcast

Ron MacLean angered viewers with comments about the The Hangover movie during the Game 6 broadcast. "Roofies will get you every time," said MacLean referencing a drug with some very serious connotations. When the film was talked about, MacLean used a word related to drugging and was immediately met with responses from the viewers. Several fans posted video clips on social media, with many questioning the appropriateness of the comment at a nationally televised event. That moment soon became one of the biggest NHL stories away from the action of the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. "It was a bad mistake by me," admitted MacLean MacLean has apologised for his remark about Tkachuk’s dad during Game 6 of Panthers vs. Oilers. Ron MacLean apologised because he knew his comments were inappropriate. During the second interval, the long-time Sportsnet host took ownership of the comments and addressed viewers directly. MacLean apologised for the incident and said he was sorry if anyone was offended by it. The apology was made shortly after the original segment was broadcast, in an effort to respond quickly to the controversy. The reaction made for a major talking point in the NHL news cycle around Game 6.

How are Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers fans reacting online

Ron MacLean’s apology is getting a mixed reaction from fans. Some viewers were pleased with the speed and public nature of the broadcaster’s response to the issue. Others continued to criticise the comments, saying they should never have been said during the Stanley Cup Final broadcast. The incident was especially noteworthy because MacLean has been one of hockey’s most recognisable television personalities for decades. However, the attention was on the championship showdown between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, one of the most closely followed NHL match results of the season.