Any knowledge of a change in Emrick's status?

Greetings from Colorado. A local radio host here in Denver has been indicating for a while that former Hawks announcer Pat Foley is expected to become the new play-by-play guy for the Avs on Altitude (our regional sports network). However, one of our board members recently heard this host say that Foley has not yet signed a contract and that the Devils are making a push to get him. This obviously seemed puzzling, since Emrick is such a fixture there, even with his part-time duties for OLN/NBC (and he's one of the best in the business). Are you guys aware of any potential split between Emrick and the Devils that would make this a possibility? We're pretty excited about the possibility of getting Foley, and we'd hate to lose him.

The Devils could be interested in Pat Foley as a radio play-by-play broadcaster. Pat Foley had been doing radio/television simulcasts.

The Devils have had John Hennessey for the last few years doing radio play-by-play. I think he does a very good job, but maybe he's taking a job somewhere else.

I have not heard anything about Doc Emrick leaving the Devils. I doubt that the Devils would let him go. He's one of the best in the business.

Just to update. Dino Costa, a Devils fan and host of a local radio weekday show has indicated that the Devils plan to clean house with their radio broadcast team. The Avs want to bring in Foley as their TV play-by-play guy and the Deilvs want to bring him on as their radio voice. Correct me if I'm wrong, isn't Foley orginally from the New Jersey area? I guess the question is whether he wants to do TV or radio.

Just to update. Dino Costa, a Devils fan and host of a local radio weekday show has indicated that the Devils plan to clean house with their radio broadcast team.Randy Velischek as well? He played at PC under Lou Lamoriello.

Randy Velischek as well? He played at PC under Lou Lamoriello.I heard Dino mention both Hennessy and Velischek. Not sure if he meant they were both going to be gone.

Correct me if I'm wrong, isn't Foley orginally from the New Jersey area?I actually thought he was from Chicago. :dunno:

Maybe they'll move Velishcek to TV and move out Chico. Sorry he was one of my first heroes as a kid but he is just not a good analyst. At least twice a game you see him watch a replay and say "Oh man I was dead wrong on that one Doc."

Maybe they'll move Velishcek to TV and move out Chico. Sorry he was one of my first heroes as a kid but he is just not a good analyst. At least twice a game you see him watch a replay and say "Oh man I was dead wrong on that one Doc."

hhaha devils hockey without chico makes me an angry man he is hilarious

You can have Doc Emrick, if you take Chico Resch with you, and finally, please, BRING BACK PETER MCNAB!

I would be very disappointed if Velischek stopped doing Devils games. He is one of the better color guys I've ever listened to because he always knows what's going on, opposed to Chico who never knows what's going on.

I'd hate to see Chico go as well, even though he's always wrong and not a good color man by any means he just strikes me as the nicest guy and the type of person I'd be happy to see succeed.

Hennessy is not a good play by play man, he's adequate but he's usually five seconds behind the play. Listening to the "highlights" during the post game is actually kind of funny because he's like "someone crosses the blueline and they score!" Live you have no idea who shot it, where it came from, was there a pass in between, was it deflected, it's anybody's guess until the crowd dies down.

Does anybody think that Dano could be a decent color guy? I'd like to see them give him a shot at least.

I would be very disappointed if Velischek stopped doing Devils games. He is one of the better color guys I've ever listened to because he always knows what's going on, opposed to Chico who never knows what's going on.

I'd hate to see Chico go as well, even though he's always wrong and not a good color man by any means he just strikes me as the nicest guy and the type of person I'd be happy to see succeed.

Hennessy is not a good play by play man, he's adequate but he's usually five seconds behind the play. Listening to the "highlights" during the post game is actually kind of funny because he's like "someone crosses the blueline and they score!" Live you have no idea who shot it, where it came from, was there a pass in between, was it deflected, it's anybody's guess until the crowd dies down.

Does anybody think that Dano could be a decent color guy? I'd like to see them give him a shot at least.
I agree with you on Velischek and Chico, I'd like to see Velischek moved to the TV broadcast but then we'd still need a spot for Chico. Maybe we could get rid of Stan Fischler and he could move to the studio? Dano also seems like he could be a good choice for a color guy.

I'd hate to see Chico go as well, even though he's always wrong and not a good color man by any means he just strikes me as the nicest guy and the type of person I'd be happy to see succeed.
Yeah, Chico is a quirky guy but he's a good guy and he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the game, regardless of his homerism.
Does anybody think that Dano could be a decent color guy? I'd like to see them give him a shot at least.
Dano's doing a great job but he just talks his *** off for too long. I'm not sure anyone can get this guy to talk less.

Dano would be a great color guy and Pat Foley is awesome. If we could get those two as a radio team it would be a treat for the ears. I might actually get to listen to them, depending on how many really clear nights we get down here.

Dano would be a great color guy and Pat Foley is awesome. If we could get those two as a radio team it would be a treat for the ears. I might actually get to listen to them, depending on how many really clear nights we get down here.In case you didn't know, you can listen for free to the Devils broadcast on NHL.com. I know you can't listen while driving in a car, but it's a good option.

Yeah, Chico is a quirky guy but he's a good guy and he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the game, regardless of his homerism.

Dano's doing a great job but he just talks his *** off for too long. I'm not sure anyone can get this guy to talk less.Doc and Chico are like well liked uncles to me. When I linked the clip a couple of days ago of Gionta's first goal of the season, it was so great to hear Doc and Chico on the call.

Ken Daneyko would be great on his own radio show. It might be hard to ask Dano to shorten his responses. I also don't think that he would want to travel. He has other business interests like his new Hoboken health club.

Ken Daneyko would be great on his own radio show.

He sort of had one on the FAN a couple times. It was pretty good. He can talk about other sports fairly well too.

He sort of had one on the FAN a couple times. It was pretty good. He can talk about other sports fairly well too.I wish I had known. When ever I have put on WFAN, they have not been talking about hockey.

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060608/SPORTS06/606080348/1119

Well it's official. Hennesey and Velischek are GONE.

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060608/SPORTS06/606080348/1119

Well it's official. Hennesey and Velischek are GONE.

The best part of that article is the quote where Dowd says he wants to come back to the Devils. I would love to have him back.

The best part of that article is the quote where Dowd says he wants to come back to the Devils. I would love to have him back.

That's the worst part. We've got 6 Jim Dowds in New Jersey already playing on the 3rd and fourth line. We've got so much of Dowdian depth we don't need him.

I wonder why the Devils decided to get rid of Hennessey and Velischek. I listened to them a lot last year and thought they did a pretty good job :dunno:

And it's too bad Dano isn't interested in the color job - maybe he's holding out for a TV spot?

I've always liked Dowd. If we can get him cheap, I would much rather have him than any of our 4th line guys in the past few years except Brylin. If Brylin is on the 4th line next year, then the team doesn't need him. If not, he is better than Rasmussen.

I wonder why the Devils decided to get rid of Hennessey and Velischek. I listened to them a lot last year and thought they did a pretty good job :dunno:

And it's too bad Dano isn't interested in the color job - maybe he's holding out for a TV spot?

Maybe the sound was just getting stale for them. Im not a big fan of Hennessey but Mr. Velischek I've always had a soft spot for. From the sounds of it, he's upset.

I don't like the move. It seems like a disloyal move to me. John Hennessy had a reall nice, smooth voice, and he did a quality job on play-by-play. I wish him luck in finding a new radio job.

Randy Velischek served the Devils organization as a player and broadcaster for 15 seasons. Maybe the Devils organization will offer him a new position.

That's the worst part. We've got 6 Jim Dowds in New Jersey already playing on the 3rd and fourth line. We've got so much of Dowdian depth we don't need him.He wouldn't be a bad selection to center the 4th line. He made around a half million last season, and he won 52% of his faceoffs, 436 of 844. While playing in 78 games for Chicago and Colorado, Dowd averaged over 12 and a half minutes of ice-time per game, including over three minutes a contest on the PK.

I realize that he played a good part of the season for the Blackhawks, so they need to use him more than the Devils. Nevertheless, I think he would be a nice fit on the fourth line with Jason Ryznar and Cam Janssen. I fully endorse signing him to a one year deal for around $550,000 and trading Jason Wiemer for a late-round draft pick. That would still save the Devils about $400,000.

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060608/SPORTS06/606080348/1119
Well it's official. Hennessy and Velischek are GONE.
This is a move I do not understand at all.
}:-(>
I liked this combo...I didn't like Hennesey as much as Miller, but I didn't dislike him, either. I don't think Miller's going to be coming back - didn't he have throat cancer or something? Plus, I think he owns a minor team somewhere.
I wish good luck to both Randy and John. Whoever they bring in is going to have to impress the hell out of me before I make a positive judgment.

This is a move I do not understand at all.
}:-(>
I liked this combo...I didn't like Hennesey as much as Miller, but I didn't dislike him, either. I don't think Miller's going to be coming back - didn't he have throat cancer or something? Plus, I think he owns a minor team somewhere.
I wish good luck to both Randy and John. Whoever they bring in is going to have to impress the hell out of me before I make a positive judgment.

Actually Miller is a possibility. Miller left to be the GM of the Toledo Storm. He was fired from that position this past January he said he would probably go back to broadcasting. If they don't get Foley I could see them bringing Miller back.

This is a move I do not understand at all.
}:-(>
I liked this combo...I didn't like Hennesey as much as Miller, but I didn't dislike him, either. I don't think Miller's going to be coming back - didn't he have throat cancer or something? Plus, I think he owns a minor team somewhere.
I wish good luck to both Randy and John. Whoever they bring in is going to have to impress the hell out of me before I make a positive judgment.I don't think Mike Miller could comeback because of his throat. You may remember that John Hennessy was filling in for Mike Miller in 2000 while Miller was getting treatment.

I don't think Mike Miller could comeback because of his throat. You may remember that John Hennessy was filling in for Mike Miller in 2000 while Miller was getting treatment.

Read the post before yours buddy, he wants to come back.

Read the post before yours buddy, he wants to come back.Yes. I see that. That wouldn't be a bad thing.

From this mornings Star-Ledger:
Although Devils president Lou Lamoriello has not named replacements, a leading candidate for the play-by-play job is Islanders radio voice John Wiedeman.
I don't know anything about him. Anyone have any opinions on him?

From this mornings Star-Ledger:

I don't know anything about him. Anyone have any opinions on him?

Well if he's anything like the Isles TV guys good lord I'll pass.

Mike Miller brought a lot of emotion and called a great game on Radio. He has a great radio voice. When the Devils lost Game 7 in 1999 with that 2 on 0 rush and Pittsburgh scored he sounded like his best friend just died. When Arnott scored in game 6 to win the Cup in 2000 Miller went ape crap. I will never forget when his voice cracked as he yelled he scoooooooores and the Devils have won the Cup. The Stanley Cup has fallen from the stars.

John Hennessey was a very dull voice and never impressed me. I think anyone upset with him not returning is due to the confort level. They got used to him. Once someone else is in there they will quickly forget him.

I remember when Gary Thorne did not come back to do play by play on TV for the Devils and I was upset. NOw I would take Doc over him or anyone in the league.

Not bringing back Velichek does surprise me a little. I might be looking to deep into this but I think it might have to do with him bringing some things up on radio that is not the style of the Devils. He announced Brodeur signed a 6 year deal for $30 million 2 days before the news hit the press. He also brought up other things and the Devils are a loew key team. But I could be way off here as he was around for 14 seasons with the organization.

Maybe put Resch on radio and fill the color position on TV with Dano since he wants the TV spot more.

Getting rid of Velischek is a move that doesn't make much sense unless somebody who is REALLY good is ready to step in and take his place. Velischek isn't that much of a homer and I've learned a lot from listening to him. One of my favorite color guys, TV or radio, in the league. Disappointing to say the least.

From this mornings Star-Ledger:

I don't know anything about him. Anyone have any opinions on him?

He's a very respectable play-by-play man on the radio side. Sort of a voice like a mix of Doc and John Kelly of OLN and the Blues but without all the annoyance of John Kelly. But we'd be absolutely lucky to have him, he's got a good radio voice.

Getting rid of Velischek is a move that doesn't make much sense unless somebody who is REALLY good is ready to step in and take his place. Velischek isn't that much of a homer and I've learned a lot from listening to him. One of my favorite color guys, TV or radio, in the league. Disappointing to say the least.
Have to agree. The first place I heard about the low CAA SOG totals was from them. They were very numbers oriented and had good guest interviews from scouts and other media members.

He's a very respectable play-by-play man on the radio side. Sort of a voice like a mix of Doc and John Kelly of OLN and the Blues but without all the annoyance of John Kelly. But we'd be absolutely lucky to have him, he's got a good radio voice.
Isn't the Blues guy the one who yells "Thank you! Thank you!" after the Blues score. Talk about annoying.

Perhaps he'll join the Blues as Executive VP or something.

I remember when Gary Thorne did not come back to do play by play on TV for the Devils and I was upset. NOw I would take Doc over him or anyone in the league.


I didn't know that someone could actually stand Gary Thorne for more than 5 minutes. I thought it was a myth like the Loch Ness Monster or the buried treasure in my backyard. :D

Isn't the Blues guy the one who yells "Thank you! Thank you!" after the Blues score. Talk about annoying.
That guiy used to be with the Avs broadcast team, but I heard they let him go. I guess he might have gone to the Blues, but I don't know why anyone would intentionally try to get that on their broadcasts - yich!!
<)-:**

From this mornings Star-Ledger:

Although Devils president Lou Lamoriello has not named replacements, a leading candidate for the play-by-play job is Islanders radio voice John Wiedeman.

I don't know anything about him. Anyone have any opinions on him?

If the Isles were playing and the Rangers or Devils weren't, I would make it a point to listen to the Isles on the radio. IMO he's one of the best relatively unknown pbp guys around. The best way I can describe it is he has a very "entertaining flow". He also deliberately plays down opponents goals, which if done correctly, is kind of funny. (Of course I didnt mind when the Isles got scored on)

Another thing I really liked about their broadcast was they would pause the pbp to let the PA announcer announce the goal, which could be more production than anything else. Cool anyway.

If you get Wiedeman you will be very pleasantly surprised.

I never thought Henessey would be here long. He was promoted from Albany after Miller had cancer - but he's never been a favorite of mine. Actually, he's annoying to listen to, IMO.

Velischek I've always liked a lot - much better than Chico - and I'm surprised and disappointed in that move.

Doc Emrick on WEEI of Boston's Dale and Holey Show today, June 15, just said the word "damning." Why do I bring this up? During Devils broadcasts, Doc calls The Best Damn Sports Show Period "those whacky guys from California." Matt Laughlin simply calls the show The Best Sports Show Period.

Doc briefly discussed his days broadcasting in Maine before going on to talk about the Stanley Cup Finals.

Doc Emrick on WEEI of Boston's Dale and Holey Show today, June 15, just said the word "damning."
Daaaaaaaammmnnn!
<(-:**
What did he say that in reference to?

Daaaaaaaammmnnn!
<(-:**
What did he say that in reference to?I forget exaclty. I think it had to do with the Finals. I was too busy pointing at my computer screen saying, "Oooh, he said the d-word!"


------------------------------------
Bart: Close the Damn door.
Marge: Bart!
Bart: That's where we live, a damn.

Greetings from Colorado. A local radio host here in Denver has been indicating for a while that former Hawks announcer Pat Foley is expected to become the new play-by-play guy for the Avs on Altitude (our regional sports network). However, one of our board members recently heard this host say that Foley has not yet signed a contract and that the Devils are making a push to get him. This obviously seemed puzzling, since Emrick is such a fixture there, even with his part-time duties for OLN/NBC (and he's one of the best in the business). Are you guys aware of any potential split between Emrick and the Devils that would make this a possibility? We're pretty excited about the possibility of getting Foley, and we'd hate to lose him.

why would the devils wanna get rid of doc. he's the best play-by-play guy out there for hockey.

Maybe there was some pressure from WFAN to get more flamboyant style in the radio booth? Randy may have had enough(tremendous amout of travel), and talked to Lou about other possibilities? Hennessey in my mind was good. But is good, good enough in this marketplace?
Also maybe ownership weighed in on this?

why would the devils wanna get rid of doc. he's the best play-by-play guy out there for hockey.It could be possible, though I highly doubt it, that Doc wouldn't to do something different with his schedule in between his OLN broadcasts.

I don't think ColoradoHockeyFan was suggesting that Doc should be let go by the Devils or that he might.

ColoradoHockeyFan was wondering about ex-Blackhawks TV/Radio-simulcast broadcaster Pat Foely. The Avalanche seem to want him for television, and there are rumors that the Devils were going after him. At the time of the first post of this thread, it was not know that the radio play-by-play position was open.

Pat Foley had been doing simulcasts of games on both radio and television. The reason for this was because the Blackhawks only televised road games. He may very well want to stay on the radio side of things because that is really what he was.