The University of North Dakota has terminated Hall of Fame broadcaster Tim Hennessy after 45 years calling Fighting Hawks hockey and one year ahead of his planned retirement.
Hennessy, whose first season was in 1978-79, confirmed in an exclusive interview with Scott Hennen of Flag Family Media in Fargo that he was informed of his dismissal during what he described as a brief meeting with UND athletics director Bill Chaves and a human resources representative approximately two weeks ago.
According to Hennessy, the explanation centered on compensation.
“I think that’s basically what it was,” Hennessy said. “Chaves said ‘you don’t do enough to earn the money you’re making and the benefits you have.”
He said no broader explanation involving athletic department finances or budget reductions was offered.
“It was pretty quick and done in a hurry,” Hennessy said. “They did say they were willing to keep my benefits through the month of August, but other than that it was vacation and sick leave.”
The dismissal comes after another highly publicized personnel decision by Chaves: last year's firing of longtime men’s hockey coach Brad Berry, who in 10 seasons compiled a 227-119-35 record, one NCAA national championship, five NCHC Penrose Cup regular season championships, four conference Coach of the Year awards and five NCAA Tournament appearances.
"Perhaps most painful for Hennessy is that he never expected this season to be his last," Hennen reported. "He said university officials knew he intended to return for one final year before retiring."
“What bothers me the most is that they knew I was going to attempt to do one more year and then be done,” Hennessy said. “Why wouldn’t you just move along for one more year and then it’s over? I’m not the kind of guy that thinks they should take care of me because of my years of service. But you kind of want to think they appreciate that. I don’t get that impression.”
Hennessy said Chaves indicated another organization, Fighting Hawks Properties, might eventually hire him to continue broadcasting games, but no one from that organization has contacted him.
According to Hennen, many longtime UND hockey supporters questioned why a broadcaster who devoted nearly half a century to the program would not be allowed to finish on his own terms.
Among the comments posted by fans, per Hennen:
“Could have been handled better than that. Non professional.”
“He’s the voice of Fighting Sioux hockey. Sad deal.”
“I’ve spent many nights listening to his play by play. He has always been knowledgeable and interesting. He’s a staple of Fighting Sioux hockey.”
“Sad the way UND handles things.”
“The UND fan base will be heavily involved and letting Chaves know that he messed up.”
During the interview, Hennessy contrasted today’s athletics department with previous administrations.
He recalled former athletic director Brian Faison reversing an earlier decision that would have moved Hennessy out of a university position and thus denied the broadcaster UND benefits.
“He just looked at it and went, ‘Wait a minute. Can’t do that to this guy.’ I’ve told him many times how much I appreciated that,” Hennessy said. “I don’t feel that way right now.”
