The St. Louis Blues are gearing up for a fresh chapter in their broadcast coverage as they announced significant changes on July 10, 2025. The team, in collaboration with FanDuel Sports Network and 101 ESPN, revealed a new simulcast model that will see longtime radio voices Chris Kerber and Joey Vitale transition to the television booth, marking a major shift in how fans will experience Blues hockey next season.
Chris Kerber, who has been the radio play-by-play voice of the Blues for an impressive 25 years, will now bring his energetic and colorful commentary to a broader audience. Joining him in the booth is Joey Vitale, a former NHL player with six seasons under his belt and Kerber’s radio analyst partner for the past seven seasons. Their chemistry was on full display during their radio calls, including the unforgettable 2018-19 season when they shared the call of the Blues’ only Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.
This transition comes as the contract of John Kelly, the television play-by-play voice for the Blues for the past 20 seasons, was not renewed. Kelly, who returned to St. Louis in the 2005-06 season after stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche, has been a beloved figure in the Blues community. He is the son of the legendary broadcaster Dan Kelly, and his signature style and professionalism have become synonymous with Blues hockey over two decades.
Blues President and CEO Chris Zimmerman expressed deep appreciation for Kelly’s contributions, stating, "John Kelly’s legacy as the television voice of the Blues will forever be treasured and respected. John holds a place of high honor with the St. Louis Blues, and we plan to pay tribute to John and his amazing career calling our games in the season ahead. John Kelly will always be part of our family." Similarly, Blues Chairman Tom Stillman acknowledged Kelly’s impact, highlighting his iconic calls and the expansion of the Blues fan base under his tenure.
The move to a simulcast model aims to unify and energize the broadcast experience across television, streaming, and radio platforms. Norby Williamson, President of Production and Programming at FanDuel Sports Network, emphasized the benefits of this shift: "Their natural chemistry, deep knowledge of the game, and passion for Blues hockey make them a perfect fit for this next chapter. This move allows us to deliver a more unified and dynamic broadcast experience to fans across all platforms." The partnership between the Blues, FanDuel Sports Network, and 101 ESPN is entering its second year, and the organizations are working closely to innovate and connect with fans in new ways.
Alongside the change in play-by-play voices, the Blues also announced updates to the "Blues Live" pregame and postgame studio shows. Jamie Rivers, who has been a stalwart analyst for the Blues broadcast team since 2009, will return to his role as a studio analyst after spending the last two years as a game analyst. Joining him on the analyst panel are Hockey Hall of Famers Bernie Federko, returning for his 25th season, and Chris Pronger, whose role on "Blues Live" will expand significantly.
Rinkside reporter Andy Strickland will broaden his responsibilities to cover both home and road games and will also take on hosting duties for "Blues Live" during road games. Scott Warmann will continue to host the show for home games, while Alexa Datt, who had hosted "Blues Live" for four years, will not return this season.
Fan engagement is a key focus of the new broadcast strategy. The Blues revealed plans to relocate the "Blues Live" desk at Enterprise Center to a more fan-friendly spot within the venue. This move is designed to foster greater interaction and engagement between the broadcast team and supporters, enhancing the game-day atmosphere for all attendees.
These broadcast changes come on the heels of a broader rebranding initiative by the Blues, which included unveiling new jerseys and logos. The organization is clearly intent on refreshing its image and fan experience both on and off the ice.
Chris Kerber’s journey with the Blues is a testament to his dedication and passion. Arriving in St. Louis 25 years ago, he quickly established himself as one of the NHL’s most dynamic radio voices. Joey Vitale brings a wealth of playing experience and analytical insight, having played 234 NHL games and served as a trusted analyst on the Blues LIVE pregame and postgame shows for the past three years.
The Blues’ broadcasting evolution reflects a larger trend in sports media as teams adapt to changing viewer habits and technological advances. By integrating radio and television coverage through simulcast, the Blues aim to deliver consistent, high-quality content to fans wherever they choose to tune in.
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, Blues fans can look forward to hearing Kerber and Vitale’s familiar voices in a new setting, bringing their trademark enthusiasm and expertise to the television and streaming audiences. The team’s commitment to honoring John Kelly’s remarkable career while embracing innovation signals a balanced approach to preserving tradition and embracing the future.
With the new broadcast lineup, enhanced studio shows, and a fan-centered approach at Enterprise Center, the St. Louis Blues are setting the stage for a vibrant and engaging season. Fans will no doubt be eager to see how these changes translate on air and add to the excitement surrounding the team’s on-ice ambitions.
