Blackhawks announce new television broadcaster

There will be a new voice behind the microphone for Chicago Blackhawks games in the upcoming season on the forthcoming Chicago Sports Network. 

The team announced earlier today that former Calgary Flames broadcaster Rick Ball has been hired as the new full-time broadcaster; he's spent the last 10 years with the Flames calling games on Sportsnet, and also called national games on Hockey Night in Canada. 

He'll be replacing Chris Vosters, who didn't grow into the role of replacing the legendary Pat Foley as the organization and fan base had hoped.

“We are delighted to have Rick join the Blackhawks broadcast booth alongside Darren Pang as we begin this exciting new chapter in Blackhawks television with our new broadcast venture, Chicago Sports Network,” said President of Business Operations Jaime Faulkner. “An established voice in the hockey world, Rick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our broadcasts. Coupled with Darren’s exceptional energy and expertise, we believe we are providing Blackhawks fans with the best in-home watching experience in the NHL.

“We would also like to thank Chris Vosters for his time as play-by-play announcer, and we look forward to continuing discussions surrounding opportunities with our new network. Chris is a phenomenal broadcaster with a big career ahead of him, and we are excited for him to continue to showcase his immense talent through his content with Stadium as well as his broadcasting work with other national, multi-sport entities,” added Faulkner.

“I am thrilled to join the Chicago Blackhawks broadcast booth at such a monumental time in the organization’s history. My family and I are extremely grateful to the Wirtz family for giving me the opportunity to join such a storied franchise. It will truly be an honor to call games for an Original Six team and to work with someone as incredibly talented and respected as Darren Pang,” said Ball.