The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that long-time play-by-play man Pat Foley will return to the team's TV booth for the 2008-2009 season.
Pat Foley, who handled play-by-play duties for the Blackhawks for 25 years was fired by the team two years ago, and has been calling games for the AHL's Chicago Wolves since then.
Next year, he'll return to the United Center, calling games for the team he is synonymous with.
He will team with current analyst Eddie Olcyck, and will be in the booth for all 82 TV broadcasts next year, including approximately 20 on WGN.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The move, which won't become official until the Wolves end their Calder Cup playoff run, is another in a series of moves by Blackhawks management to repair ties with longtime fans, and foster relations with new ones.
Foley is a fan favorite, and his familiar voice calling every game on TV next year will be warmly received by the fans.
To open a spot for Foley, the team already announced that Dan Kelly would not be back next year.
Foley's return was not a surprise after the moves new team president John McDonough after taking over.
The only question remaining is whether or not the team will try to bring back long-time anthem singer Wayne Messmer. Complicating that matter is the fact that Messmer is a part-owner and senior executive vice president with the Wolves.
McDonough has already done a lot to revive the fan base, and it should be interesting to see what other tricks he has up his sleeve.
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