Blue Jackets to simulcast video games on TV and radio starting with 2026-27 season

The Columbus Blue Jackets introduced immediately that starting with the 2026-27 National Hockey League season, all Blue Jackets recreation broadcasts will probably be simulcast throughout tv and radio platforms, permitting followers to expertise the identical dwell recreation protection whether or not watching on tv or listening on the radio.  Under the brand new format, the tv broadcast audio feed will probably be carried on the membership’s radio community, together with flagship station 97.1 The Fan in Columbus. 

While the membership’s tv distribution plans are nonetheless being finalized, followers will proceed to comply with the motion on the ice courtesy of the printed crew of Steve Mears on play-by-play with former Blue Jacket Jody Shelley offering coloration evaluation.  The new format will present radio listeners professional evaluation from Shelley, who has develop into a daily presence on nationwide league broadcasts on TNT and Amazon Prime’s weekly protection throughout Canada. Mears, who’s a former NHL Network studio host, has referred to as NHL video games on each radio and TV since 2006, offering nationwide play-by-play for quite a few high-profile occasions, together with the Stanley Cup Final, All-Star Games, outside video games and the IIHF World Junior Championships. 

The contract of radio play-by-play broadcaster Bob McElligott was not renewed.  Dylan Tyrer, who has served as a bunch on CBJ radio for the previous seven years, will proceed in that position for radio broadcasts. 

“Bob McElligott has made significant contributions to the Blue Jackets organization on the air and in the community over the past 17 years,” stated membership Vice President of Business Intelligence & Broadcasting Marc Gregory.  “Bob’s voice was at the heart of many of our club’s unforgettable moments and helped shape memories that will live on for years to come.  We sincerely thank him and wish him nothing but success moving forward.”