It’s the end of a legendary era for the Chicago Blackhawks. On Wednesday, the team announced that next season will be longtime play-by-play announcer Pat Foley’s final season calling games.
The 2021-2022 season will mark Foley’s 39th year in the booth for the Blackhawks. He will call some games on the schedule, but others will be used to help transition the new Blackhawks’ play-by-play announcer. A replacement for Foley has not been announced yet.
“Pat Foley is not just a legendary broadcaster and great partner in the booth, but I’m proud to say he is an even better friend,” said Eddie Olczyk in a statement. “Two Chicago guys calling Blackhawks hockey for the past 15 years has been a dream come true for me and I’m so fortunate to have that experience. I’m so happy for him to be able to go out on his own terms and so proud of what he has accomplished. Pat Foley will always be the voice of Blackhawks hockey and we will be sure to entertain our fans and celebrate Pat this season.”
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“Pat Foley has been synonymous with Chicago Blackhawks hockey for well over a generation,” said Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz in a statement. “We are thankful for the memories Pat has created for our fans through the years and he will continue to be a part of the Blackhawks family. We are excited to begin this search for a new television play-by-play broadcaster who will create Blackhawks memories for the next generation of fans.”
Foley was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He made the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014, as well. Over his career, Foley has also won five Emmys for his excellence calling live hockey games.