“We set out to put together a roster that would excite, engage and educate the entire range of fans – from diehard to casual – while inspiring the next generation. “This new and groundbreaking lineup will bring the NHL to an expanding legion of passionate fans,” Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content, said in a release. Mleczko, Rick DiPietro, and Hilary Knight. Meanwhile, Linda Cohn will host In the Crease, a nightly hockey program on ESPN+, and contribute to NHL coverage and programming across platforms during the season.Ī dynamic, diverse & accomplished team will present ESPN's coverage beginning this fall | | | /ZkjhtdSa00ĮSPN has also hired Hall of Famers Mark Messier (six-time Stanley Cup champion) and Chris Chelios (three-time Stanley Cup champion) as well as current and former players Ray Ferraro, Brian Boucher, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Kevin Weekes, Ryan Callahan, A.J. Melrose, a fixture of ESPN’s coverage in the 90s, is a former NHL player and coach, who helped lead Wayne Gretzky’s Los Angeles Kings to the 1993 Stanley Cup Final.
The mulleted one, Barry Melrose, is back to contribute coverage. While many sentimental hockey fans hoped Gary Thorne would return along with his longtime running mate Bill Clement - it appears at this point neither will be - there are several contributors from ESPN’s yore that will be coming back.
Steve Levy, who will lead the studio team, will also do play-by-play during the season while John Buccigross (the guy behind Bucci’s overtime challenge and promoting college hawkey), Bob Wischusen, and Leah Hextall will also contribute their talents. In March, ESPN reached a seven-year television, streaming, and media rights deal with the NHL.Īccording to a release from ESPN PR, ESPN’s play-by-play commentary will be led by Sean McDonough. A day after the NHL announced the Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft and the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft will be aired on ESPN in July, the Worldwide Leader announced its commentators, analysts, and reporters for the NHL’s 2021-22 season.