St. Louis Blues Announce Departure of John Kelly
The St. Louis Blues have announced that John Kelly, a staple in their broadcasting team for over two decades, will not be returning for the upcoming season. This decision, made collaboratively with their broadcasting associates FanDuel Sports Network and 101 ESPN, was confirmed by the team’s CEO Chris Zimmerman.
Future Broadcasting Plans
By the 2025-26 season, the Blues plan to implement a simulcast of their games, featuring Chris Kerber, who currently serves as the radio play-by-play announcer, alongside analyst Joey Vitale, handling both radio and television commentary.
Zimmerman emphasized the organization’s goal in this transition: to create a more engaging and informative viewing experience. He expressed strong confidence in Kerber’s abilities, suggesting the team has secured top-tier talent that promises a dynamic and refreshing broadcast.
Reflections from John Kelly
The announcement of Kelly’s departure came as a surprise to many, especially given his extensive tenure that began when he followed in his father, Dan Kelly‘s, footsteps. Dan was a celebrated broadcaster who relocated the family to St. Louis in 1968.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, John Kelly reflected on his experience, stating that both broadcasting and hockey have always been his passions. He expressed gratitude to the St. Louis community while hinting at future endeavors in his career, stating that his journey in the sports world is far from over and looking forward to what lies ahead.
