Hailey Hunter Departs SportsNet Pittsburgh After Three Seasons as Rinkside Reporter

Hailey Hunter is no longer with SportsNet Pittsburgh, marking the end of her three-season tenure as the rinkside reporter for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The network confirmed her departure in an announcement made on Wednesday evening.

In a statement, SportsNet Pittsburgh expressed gratitude for Hunter's contributions, stating, “We wish her the very best in her future endeavors.” The network also indicated plans to initiate a nationwide search to fill the rinkside reporter position for their Penguins broadcasts.

Hunter, whose father is former NHL player Tim Hrynewich, who played for the Penguins from 1982 to 1984, joined the network at the start of the 2023-2024 NHL season. In comments to TribLive’s Rob Owen, she mentioned that she was not provided with a specific reason for her dismissal. “Unfortunately, I was told the Penguins have decided that they simply wanted to move in a different direction with the role,” she explained. “I really wasn’t given any details, but I understand that’s the business we are in.”

Reflecting on her time at SportsNet Pittsburgh, Hunter expressed her fondness for the network, describing it as a family. She mentioned plans for a gathering with colleagues to celebrate their time together, highlighting the strong connections she formed during her tenure. “Sounds like about 60 people are coming, which is so kind, but also speaks to how close friends I became with everyone,” she said.

Prior to her role at SportsNet Pittsburgh, Hunter gained experience working with Golf Channel and PGA Tour Entertainment, as well as serving as a team reporter and host for the New York Islanders in the 2021-22 season. Recently, she celebrated her marriage to fiancé Gage Posey on May 16.