After 17 years as the radio voice of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Bob McElligott will no longer be in the booth in a cost-cutting move by the organization
The Blue Jackets announced plans on Wednesday to simulcast their TV broadcasts, with play-by-play voice Steve Mears and color analyst Jody Shelley, across their radio network and affiliates
As a result, McElligott’s contract was not renewed, the club said in a release
“I want to thank the McConnell family (ownership), the Blue Jackets and (vice president of broadcasting) Marc Gregory for the opportunity to broadcast these games for the past 17 years,” McElligott told The Athletic
McElligott is one of only two radio play-by-play voices over the franchise’s 25-plus years. George Matthews was the club’s original voice before McElligott joined the organization in 2009, working beside him for five seasons before taking the microphone full-time
“Bob McElligott has made significant contributions to the Blue Jackets’ organization on the air and in the community over the past 17 years,” said Gregory in a statement released by the club
“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.”
Dylan Tyrer, who has served as the Blue Jackets’ radio host for the past seven seasons — handling intermission reports, interviews, scoreboard updates, etc. — will continue in that role during radio broadcasts
McElligott, who learned the news on Wednesday, would like to remain in broadcasting, but is unsure of his next steps. The timing of this is difficult, too, with most clubs settled with their broadcasting crews in advance of the coming seasons
“I especially want to thank the fans,” McElligott said. “I always had them in mind during every broadcast. I always tried to tell them what was happening on the ice, along with any insights I might have. The fans were always there for me, and I wanted to be always there for them. Their passion and caring really drove me for 17 years.”
