Play-by-play voice Steve Mears is replacing retired Blue Jackets announcer Jeff Rimer in the team’s TV booth, according to Brian Hedger of the COLUMBUS DISPATCH. Mears, who has "worked as a host" for NHL Network and "has done play-by-play" for both the Penguins and Islanders, will be teaming up with analyst Jody Shelley. Rimer retired last season after 20 years in the role (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 7/2). TRIBLIVE’s Seth Rorabaugh notes Mears has spent the past seven years with the Penguins “in some capacity.” Beginning in 2017, he “served as the play-by-play announcer” on what was then called AT&T Sports Net until last summer. In September, Penguins owner Fenway Sports Group formally purchased the network and rebranded it as SportsNet Pittsburgh then “removed Mears as well as former color commentator Bob Errey in the process.” Former Penguins radio play-by-play voice Josh Getzoff “took over on television,” while Mears “inhabited the same role” inside the radio booth. No immediate word was disclosed on a potential replacement for Mears on the Penguins’ radio broadcasts (TRIBLIVE, 7/2).
