Darren Pang to join Chicago Blackhawks broadcast team
Darren Pang will be behind some new microphones for the upcoming season. The former goalie and longtime NHL analyst is set to join NBCSN Chicago as a broadcaster for Blackhawks games, the team announced Thursday.
Everyone please welcome home to the broadcast booth, Darren Pang! ️ pic.twitter.com/OP8l0ONosR
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 8, 2023
Ironically enough, he worked for 14 years with their archrival St. Louis Blues. Known for his signature “holy jumpin” catchphrase, he was the lead color commentator for the Blues before becoming the No. 2 analyst for TNT. Despite an unimpressive playing career, Pang actually spent two years with the Blackhawks in the net during the 1980s.
The move comes in the midst of the breakdown of Diamond Sports Group. DSG owns Bally Sports, which was the television network for the Blues. Despite sharing an interest in remaining with the Blues, it was not meant to be. It’s worth noting whether St. Louis fans are now upset with the longtime broadcaster as the Blues and Blackhawks is one of hockey’s fiercest rivalries.
I personally always enjoyed a game that Pang is on the call for. He brings a ton of personality and energy to any game along with a ton of great analysis. However, I don’t really see much of him aside from the recent TNT broadcasts.
He has a wealth of experience in the hockey landscape. Before Chicago and St. Louis, “Panger” has been on call for NBC Sports, ABC/ESPN and even TSN at times. Chicago originally had Eddie Olczyk as their longtime color analyst, but he has since moved on to work for the Seattle Kraken.
The world of hockey broadcasting has changed tremendously in recent years. Obviously, the NHL’s deal with ESPN and TNT has done some damage to Regional Sports Networks. Darren Pang’s move to the Chicago Blackhawks broadcasts is only one of many shakeups in the industry.
