Long-time Hockey Night in Canada executive producer Joel Darling now holds the number two position at CBC Sports, following his promotion to director of production amid several staffing changes announced on Thursday.

Darling, who served as exec producer on HNIC since 2000, will now oversee all aspects of production for CBC Sports, and will report directly to executive director Scott Moore.

‘Joel’s experience with all areas of production in the sports department will ensure that we continue to improve our standards of production, and that all our resources are used effectively,’ said Moore in a note to staff.

Meanwhile, HNIC senior producer Sherali Najak will succeed Darling in the role of exec producer, effective immediately. He will oversee the show’s entire broadcast package and will play a key role as HNIC moves forward with its new contract agreement with the National Hockey League through to 2013/14.

Najak is a 20-year CBC veteran and Gemini-winner for his work on CBC’s Hockey Day in Canada.

Also at HNIC, the show has hired former Edmonton Oilers assistant coach Craig Simpson as an analyst, following his appearance on HNIC during the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Previously, Simpson worked as a broadcaster on TSN, FoxSportsnet and Rogers Sportsnet.

‘The opportunity to join Hockey Night in Canada was too good to pass up. It has a reputation that precedes itself, and I’m very much looking forward to being part of the team,’ said Simpson in a release.