Famed Minnesota hockey commentator Al Shaver passed away this week. He was 96.
Michael Russo, a longtime Minnesota hockey writer, posted on X on Wednesday that Shaver had passed.
“Al Shaver, the voice of the North Stars for 26 years and the Gophers for three, passed away after a brief illness Monday,” Russo wrote. Russo added that Shaver passed away on Vancouver Island at 96 years old.
Al Shaver, the voice of the North Stars for 26 years and the Gophers for three, passed away after a brief illness Monday on Vancouver Island at the age of 96, his son, Wally, tells me. Al was married to his wonderful wife, Shirley, for 67 years until she died in 2019. They had 5…
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 24, 2024
Shaver called Minnesota North Stars hockey games from 1967 to 1993, when the team moved from Minnesota to Dallas. Shortly after that, Shaver took over calling Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey. He held that position for three years before he retired in 1996.
Shaver was a beloved hockey voice in a state best known for hockey. It is worth appreciating that he connected with a litany of fans through both professional and collegiate sports. Shaver lived a long and very successful life, and those around him sincerely appreciated his contributions.
Russo himself discussed how thankful he was for his contributions and how he got to work in a press box named after the legendary commentator.
“For the past 19 years, it’s been an honor for me to call the Al Shaver Press Box at Xcel Energy Center home,” Russo wrote.
We extend our best wishes and condolences to the Shaver family.
