The St. Louis Blues, in partnership with FanDuel Sports Network and 101 ESPN, have announced a major shift in their broadcast lineup for the 2025-2026 season. Longtime radio play-by-play voice Chris Kerber and analyst Joey Vitale are moving to the television booth. Veteran TV play-by-play announcer John Kelly exits as the franchise elected not to renew his contract. It brings Kelly’s run with the Blues to a close after twenty years.
Starting this season, the Blues will feature a new simulcast model. Kerber and Vitale will continue being heard on 101 ESPN while also calling games on television.
“Chris Kerber arrived 25 years ago and quickly became one of the most vibrant voices in the NHL,” said Blues President of Business Operations Chris Zimmerman. “His chemistry with Joey Vitale has resonated with fans, and we’re confident this new model will deliver an enhanced experience across TV, streaming, and radio.”
FanDuel Sports Network President of Production and Programming Norby Williamson echoed the sentiment, calling the move “a perfect fit” to unify the Blues’ coverage and better connect with fans. “Their knowledge and energy will elevate the entire production,” he added.
John Kijowski, President of Hubbard Radio St. Louis, praised Kerber and Vitale’s ability to engage listeners. “They bring unmatched insight and passion to every game. Now, even more fans will benefit from that connection.”
In addition, Blues studio coverage on FanDuel Sports Network is also undergoing a few changes. Jamie Rivers returns as a Blues LIVE analyst, joined by Hockey Hall of Famers Bernie Federko and Chris Pronger. Andy Strickland will report rinkside for home and away games and host Blues LIVE on the road. Scott Warmann continues as host for home games. Alexa Datt’s tenure with Blues LIVE has concluded.
The team also revealed that the Blues LIVE set will move to a more fan-accessible location inside Enterprise Center to improve interaction and engagement. Additional details will be shared closer to the start of the season.
The Blues and FanDuel Sports Network are entering the second year of a multi-year partnership. 101 ESPN has been the Blues flagship radio partner since the 2019-2020 NHL season. Both Kerber and Vitale are St. Louis natives, and have worked together since 2018-19—the season the Blues captured their first Stanley Cup. Chris Kerber has been calling St. Louis Blues hockey games for 25 years.
