The Kelly name is closely linked to the St. Louis Blues organization, with Dan Kelly serving as the team's broadcaster from 1968 to 1989. His son, John Kelly, then filled in for one game, continuing the family tradition until Dan’s passing in 1989.
The younger Kelly left the St. Louis Blues in 1992 to join the Tampa Bay Lightning as a broadcaster, and later joined the Avalanche in 1995. He then rejoined the St. Louis Blues for the 2004–2005 NHL lockout period and has remained with the team since.
With Dan Kelly witnessing the birth of the Blues organization and the Bobby Orr overtime goal, it might be an understatement to say that his son John had a significant role to fill.
John did just that, though. Not only is John Kelly a pillar in the Blues community, but he is also famous for his sporadic and emotional play-by-play. Whether it’s shouting, “thank you, thank you, thank you,” “unbelievable,” or “highway robbery,” Kelly’s emotions show through in his broadcast, showing his audience that he’s invested. Kelly poured his heart out into every season, every game. He believed in the team and educated the fans.
Kelly will no longer be broadcasting for the St. Louis Blues, as FanDuel and 101 ESPN announced jointly that starting next season, Chris Kerber and Joey Vitale will be moving to the television booth. At the same time, John Kelly’s contract will not be renewed. Although Kelly’s contract expires, his legacy remains intact. Kelly helped the Blues achieve their long-sought goal of winning the Stanley Cup after 52 years and has been through the highs and lows with the fans.
Much like his father, Dan, John is and now was a sports legacy. So, this time - thank you, John Kelly.
The organization has stuck true to their path of getting younger while remaining experienced. This move is just another reflection of the St. Louis Blues values and how each decision made is well thought out.
While both Kerber and Vitale are relatively younger in age than Kelly, they bring experience with the growth. Chris Kerber has 25 years of experience under his belt with the St. Louis Blues and was described as “colorful and energetic” by Blues President and CEO of Business Operations, Chris Zimmerman.
With six NHL seasons, adding up to 234 games played and 44 points, Joey Vitale has the knowledge to deliver insight the audience while also remaining engaging. With a younger team and more youth following hockey, Kerber and Vitale are perfectly suited to help target such audiences.
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