from Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,
A significant shakeup is coming to the Penguins’ television broadcast team in the wake of the team purchasing and rebranding AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Steve Mears and Bob Errey will not return in their roles, per sources. Josh Getzoff is expected to move over from the radio side to replace Mears as the play-by-play man. Colby Armstrong will likely also take on a prominent TV role.
Despite tremendous local ratings with the previous crew calling games on ATTSN, major changes seemed possible as the Penguins and Fenway Sports Group homed in on their purchase of ATTSN from Warner Bros. Discovery.
News of changes to the TV broadcast team began to leak out Friday, one day after the Penguins announced they had agreed, effective Oct. 2, to acquire ATTSN and would rebrand the regional sports network as SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Errey provided The Athletic with a letter he wrote to Pittsburgh fans:
Dear Pittsburgh Penguin Fans,
It is with a heavy heart that I share this with you. I received an unexpected call yesterday informing me that I would not be returning as Pittsburgh Penguins TV analyst this coming season.
My journey began in 1983 as a wide-eyed teenager with no idea of what to expect on the ice or in the City of Pittsburgh. It took time but with determined players and passionate fans we achieved the dream of bringing the Cup to Pittsburgh.
After my playing days, as luck would have it, I took the radio analyst position. My family dug our roots into the community and into youth hockey. We loved the Burgh and me my job.
I was fortunate to work with Paul Steigerwald, who lives and breathes hockey, and who helped me get better every day. I was willing to learn. With the arrival of Sidney Crosby I moved to the TV booth with Hall of Famer Mike Lange. I was as excited and nervous probably as you guys were. Both to work with Mike and to watch Sid do his thing. Wow! Very fortunate.
My last six years in the booth with Steve Mears have been equally as rewarding. What a pro. Tremendous talent. I would be remiss if I didnt mention our friend Dan Potash for our laughs and his connection with the players. Truly one of a kind.
I have nothing but the utmost respect and love for my former colleagues and friends that I have worked with for the past 22 years! You the fans have consistently tuned in and made us the No. 1 local broadcast in the league every year. Incredible, really.
I loved my nights in Pittsburgh and in the booth. I will cherish the many incredible moments this seat has given me. It has brought me a special joy and excitement and I hope it did for you as well.
I am not sure where my travels will take me next but I look forward to the next chapter and will put as much energy and effort into it as I have here. And if you see me in this great city, make sure to stop me and say hello!
Thank you again.
Its been my pleasure.
Bob Errey
What a shame! Mearsy is a good guy! He was a very young guy when he replaced John Weidemann as the Isles radio announcer about 15-16 years ago. He was very approachable, told us he was returning home to PA to take the Pens job and good for him that he had a nice run there. Good luck Steve!
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