ABC and ESPN Unlimited to show Hurricanes v Golden Knights as Stanley Cup Final begins with Levy, McDonough and Ferraro

Match date: 12 June 2026

Carolina Hurricanes v Vegas Golden Knights is being shown in the United States on ABC and ESPN Unlimited, with Steve Levy presenting and Sean McDonough on main commentary alongside Ray Ferraro. ESPN’s coverage is part of its broadcast of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, which begins on ABC and features the Hurricanes and Golden Knights as the last two teams standing in the NHL playoffs.[1]

For viewers in Canada, the game is on CBC and Sportsnet, with Chris Cuthbert leading the commentary and Craig Simpson alongside him, while Kyle Bukauskas reports. The matchup also has a Sports USA Radio call with Rob Brender presenting, John Forslund and Eddie Olczyk on commentary, and Billy Jaffe reporting, plus a world-feed option featuring E.J. Hradek and Kevin Weekes.

The television line-up gives this final a particularly strong broadcast pedigree. Sean McDonough is one of the best-known American play-by-play voices in sports, long associated with major national events, while former NHL forward Ray Ferraro has built a reputation as a sharp, concise analyst with extensive broadcasting experience. Steve Levy has been a prominent ESPN host for years and has anchored major hockey and studio coverage, making him a familiar face for US viewers.[1]

The studio and analysis team is equally heavyweight. Mark Messier, a six-time Stanley Cup winner and one of the most decorated captains in NHL history, brings championship credibility to the panel. PK Subban, a Norris Trophy-winning defenceman known for his outspoken analysis and media presence, adds a modern player perspective. Emily Kaplan, one of ESPN’s leading hockey reporters, is set to provide rinkside updates, while Dave Jackson brings the perspective of a former NHL referee, which is especially useful in a final where officiating details can shape the narrative.

In Canada, Chris Cuthbert and Craig Simpson remain one of hockey’s most recognisable broadcast pairings. Cuthbert has called some of the biggest games in Canadian sport over a long career, while Simpson, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, offers the sort of tactical insight that has made him a mainstay on national NHL coverage. Kyle Bukauskas has emerged as a key reporter for Sportsnet and CBC coverage, particularly around high-profile playoff games.

The radio and world-feed options widen the appeal further. John Forslund is well known to NHL audiences for his energetic, clear play-by-play style, and Eddie Olczyk combines championship experience with analyst polish after years of national broadcasts. The world feed pairing of E.J. Hradek and Kevin Weekes also gives international viewers a polished alternative, with Weekes bringing recent goaltending insight and Hradek contributing experienced hockey analysis.

For fans across the US, Canada and beyond, this is one of the most accessible Stanley Cup Final broadcasts of the modern era, with major national platforms carrying the game and several well-established voices attached. The final also carries extra attention because the NHL’s championship series is now down to the Hurricanes and Golden Knights, two franchises with very different styles and plenty of star power.[1][2]

More on the final can be found via the NHL’s official playoff coverage at NHL Playoffs.

Article generated: 12 June 2026, 01:00 GMT