Chicago Blackhawks Announce Broadcaster Change, Welcome Rick Ball
In a significant shift behind the microphone, the Chicago Blackhawks have opted for a fresh voice to lead their broadcasts, parting ways with Chris Vosters and bringing in seasoned announcer Rick Ball. The move reflects the organization's response to fan feedback and a striving for deeper hockey expertise in their play-by-play commentary.
Vosters, who stepped into the role after the retirement of beloved Hall of Fame broadcaster Pat Foley, brought vigor to the broadcasts but faced criticism that perhaps his strengths would be better suited to basketball. Blackhawks president of business, Jaime Faulkner, expressed gratitude for Vosters' efforts but emphasized the need for change.
«One thing we know is that our fans value a deep hockey knowledge and experience, and it was important to us that our broadcast reflect those values,» said Faulkner. «Every year after the season concludes, we evaluate our broadcast talent in the booth for both radio and TV, and also in-studio, to determine if it is at the level our fans expect and deserve. Based on our own evaluations, as well as feedback from key stakeholders and partners, we felt we need to make a change in this role.
«We knew it would be difficult to replace someone as loved and talented as Pat Foley when we first started the process three years ago. Of everyone we looked at and available at the time, Chris was the clear favorite, and we were convinced we had found our voice. Chris did a tremendous job calling Blackhawks games, and while it's certainly unfortunate that it didn't work out with him in the end, we're confident that Rick is going to help our broadcast reach new heights and we're excited for him to join the team.»
The Blackhawks bid farewell to Vosters with respect and recognition of his potential.
«Chris is a tremendous broadcaster with a very bright future ahead of him,» Faulkner said. «He has a very big voice that lends itself extremely well to being a sports broadcaster. We want to offer our fans a broadcast with deep experience and hockey knowledge. We evaluate things like depth of hockey vocabulary, ability to anticipate the play to use your voice to draw the viewer in, ability to call plays happening with players who don't have the puck, and knowing that sometimes you don't say anything at all.»
Rick Ball, aged 57, joins the Blackhawks after a decade with the Calgary Flames on Sportsnet. His extensive experience and passion for hockey broadcasting were key factors in his hiring.
«When it was first presented to me, there were probably four main factors: Original Six franchise, world-class city, young superstar centerpiece in Connor Bedard, and, last but not least, Darren Pang, who I consider one of the best all-time at his job,» Ball said. «So when you put those four things, it was a no-brainer.»
Faulkner praised Ball's credentials and his fit with the team's vision.
«Rick is an exceptional broadcaster with a resume that includes over 20 years of experience as a hockey announcer,» Faulkner said. «He's called some of the sport's biggest games, on its biggest stages, and on one of its most storied broadcasts. He knows this game and its history, and we believe he will take our broadcast to the next level.»
As the Blackhawks look to enhance their studio presence as well, Faulkner indicated that similar evaluations and changes are on the horizon.
«Now that we have the booth set, our attention is going to be directed to the studio,» Faulkner said. «(In making those hires), hockey knowledge, some connection to the Blackhawks is important to us, energy is important. We are working on the criteria that is important to us because we will have the ability to decide who is in studio. Thankfully, we did have a lot of studio talent, both in the host position and otherwise that had been very strong for us.»
With these changes, the Blackhawks aim to elevate their broadcast quality, resonating more deeply with their passionate fanbase. Fans, the floor is now yours—what are your thoughts on this significant transition?
This move marks a strategic pivot as the organization adapts to its audience's preferences and the evolving sports broadcasting landscape.
