The Chicago Blackhawks have named Chris Vosters the new television play-by-play announcer.
Vosters replaces a Chicago icon and Hall of Fame broadcaster in Pat Foley, who's retiring at the end of the season after 39 years. The official announcement was made during Sunday's broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago.
Vosters, 30, is a rising star whose previous experience includes working for the Big Ten Network, FOX Sports, ESPN, NBC Sports and Stadium. He also called ice hockey and sled hockey for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games for NBC Sports.
Vosters joined the latest Blackhawks Talk Podcast to discuss what this opportunity means to him.
"It's something that I think is still sinking in, to be honest with you," Vosters said. "But it is the thrill of a lifetime to be the next voice of the Chicago Blackhawks and especially to take over for Pat Foley, who's a Hall of Famer, one of the best to ever do it. I know what he means to Blackhawks fans who have been listening to him call Hawks games for their entire lives.
"But on a personal level, to be the next guy to sit in that chair — and this isn't just any other organization, either. It's an Original Six franchise, it's one of the NHL's flagship organizations, it's in a world-class city. For all those reasons and many, many more, this is a dream job and I'm so excited to be the guy to call Blackhawks games."
NHL
Vosters will officially take over on April 14, which will be Foley's last game of the season.
"Chris Vosters has already started to make a name for himself with Blackhawks fans," Foley said in a team statement. "I think Blackhawks television will be in good hands with Chris and I look forward to celebrating with everyone on April 14 at the United Center."
Eddie Olczyk said he's excited to work alongside Vosters, who will call the final eight games of the season.
"It’s been an honor to have sat next to Pat all these years — he’s one of the best," Olczyk said. "Not only is he my partner in the booth, but he is one of my best friends. I’m excited for his retirement and I know he will enjoy plenty of days on the golf course.
"We have made so many great memories in our time together and I’m excited for the future of Blackhawks broadcasts working alongside Chris Vosters. Chris is a great addition to this broadcast team and will lead us to the next generation of Blackhawks hockey."
You can listen to the full interview with Vosters here.
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