CHICAGO, Illinois — CHSN has announced new talent for pre- and post-game coverage of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls as the network prepares to provide high-quality analysis and live game coverage for the city’s most passionate sports fans starting October 1st.
Blackhawks Countdown Live and Bulls Countdown Live are high-energy fan immersion shows that will air 30 minutes prior to each regular season game on CHSN and will be broadcast from CHSN’s new Atrium Studios at the United Center.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks studio team combines a wealth of hockey knowledge with broadcasting experience to provide fans with insightful and compelling analysis of every game.
Pat Boyle – Veteran Blackhawks announcer, Boyle, returns to provide fans with dynamic hosting and in-depth hockey analysis. He was the main anchor for NBC Sports Chicago for 20 years. Tony Granato – Granato, a former NHL left winger and coach, brings a wealth of hockey knowledge and experience to the Blackhawks broadcast team. He previously served as head coach for the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and the 2018 Olympic Men’s Hockey Team. Kaylee Chelios – In addition to her work in the studio, Chelios will serve as a backup color analyst in the booth when analyst Darren Pang is called up for national broadcast duties. Chelios’ unique background makes her an exciting addition to the CHSN team, providing a fresh perspective on the game both professionally and personally. As the daughter of Hockey Hall of Famer and Blackhawks legend, Chris Chelios, she brings nearly a decade of NHL broadcasting experience in addition to ties to hockey families throughout Chicagoland.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls’ pre- and post-game teams will combine dynamic hosting, expert player analysis and extensive reporting experience to provide comprehensive and engaging coverage for fans.
Jason Goff – A respected figure in Chicago sports circles, Goff currently hosts The Ringer’s “Full Go” podcast and previously hosted the daytime drive show on 670 The Score. He most recently served as a pre-game and post-game host for NBC Sports Chicago. Kendall Gill – A former Bulls player and NBA veteran, Gill is known for his sharp analysis and player perspective. A graduate of Rich Central High School and the University of Illinois with years of experience covering the Bulls, Gill breaks down game strategies and key performances. KC Johnson – An expert in Bulls coverage, Johnson recently covered the Bulls for NBC Sports Chicago and spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Tribune. His analytical approach and reporting experience bring unmatched credibility to CHSN’s lineup.
“At CHSN, we put Chicago sports fans first in everything we do,” said CHSN President Jason Coyle. “Our pre-game ‘Countdown Live’ show gives fans a front-row seat to the action, and each night we invite select fans onto the set to meet the talent, ask questions and become part of the show.”
New Studios at the United Center
CHSN is completing construction of a state-of-the-art studio with retractable walls in the United Center Atrium. The innovative design will allow fans to interact directly with live broadcasts and their favorite performers, creating a different look, feel and delivery than traditional programming and creating an engaging in-person experience on game day.
In-game broadcasters
Earlier this year, both teams and CHSN announced the in-game announcers and commentators, with veteran NHL announcer Rick Ball joining Blackhawks commentator Pan, while play-by-play announcer Adam Amin and commentator Stacey King will handle the Bulls’ play-by-play.
Additional show updates and where fans can watch will be available soon.