Ken "Friar" Nicolson
Jan. 23, 1941 – Dec. 31, 1992
Inducted 2000
Primary Outlet
CJOB
Ken Nicolson was a dedicated broadcaster whose hockey and football coverage in Manitoba was enjoyed by sports fans for decades.
He began his career in 1960 with CJLX Radio in Thunder Bay and, after a brief stint in London, Ont., joined Winnipeg’s CFRW Radio as a general sports reporter in 1967. A year later, he moved to CJOB Radio, where he was named sports director in 1969.
In 1972, Nicolson became the original play-by-play voice of the Winnipeg Jets during their inaugural season in the World Hockey Association. He covered every Jets game, home and away, throughout the 1970s, including international trips to Russia, Sweden, Finland and Japan. In his 1982 shift to CKY Radio, he transitioned into colour commentary for the Jets’ National Hockey League broadcasts, marking another milestone in his hockey broadcasting career.
Nicolson’s career was noted not just for its longevity, but for its versatility. He also provided play-by-play for Winnipeg Blue Bombers football and even broadcast for the Winnipeg Whips minor league pro baseball team. His calm, professional presence and genuine enthusiasm for every sport he covered made him a respected figure both on-air and in the community.
In recognition of his contributions, he received a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award in 1978 and was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame as a media honouree in 1990 and the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
A tremendous supporter of high school hockey who served on the organization committee for the first two provincial high school championships, the Ken 'Friar' Nicolson Award scholarship is presented annually by the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association to a high school hockey player who is recognized for a combination of excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
Ken Nicolson was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 2000. He passed away on Dec. 31, 1992.
He began his career in 1960 with CJLX Radio in Thunder Bay and, after a brief stint in London, Ont., joined Winnipeg’s CFRW Radio as a general sports reporter in 1967. A year later, he moved to CJOB Radio, where he was named sports director in 1969.
In 1972, Nicolson became the original play-by-play voice of the Winnipeg Jets during their inaugural season in the World Hockey Association. He covered every Jets game, home and away, throughout the 1970s, including international trips to Russia, Sweden, Finland and Japan. In his 1982 shift to CKY Radio, he transitioned into colour commentary for the Jets’ National Hockey League broadcasts, marking another milestone in his hockey broadcasting career.
Nicolson’s career was noted not just for its longevity, but for its versatility. He also provided play-by-play for Winnipeg Blue Bombers football and even broadcast for the Winnipeg Whips minor league pro baseball team. His calm, professional presence and genuine enthusiasm for every sport he covered made him a respected figure both on-air and in the community.
In recognition of his contributions, he received a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award in 1978 and was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame as a media honouree in 1990 and the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.
A tremendous supporter of high school hockey who served on the organization committee for the first two provincial high school championships, the Ken 'Friar' Nicolson Award scholarship is presented annually by the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association to a high school hockey player who is recognized for a combination of excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
Ken Nicolson was inducted into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour in 2000. He passed away on Dec. 31, 1992.