Columbus Blue Jackets, FOX Sports Ohio announce changes to television broadcast team
COLUMBUS, OHIO --- The Columbus Blue Jackets and FOX Sports Ohio announced today changes to the network's coverage of Blue Jackets hockey. Former Blue Jackets forward Jody Shelley has been named color analyst alongside play-by-play announcer Jeff Rimer.
Shelley rejoined the hockey club last summer as a broadcast associate and team ambassador following a 12-year playing career in the National Hockey League that began in Columbus during the team's 2000-01 inaugural season. After leaving the Blue Jackets in January 2008, Shelley played for the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.
Bill Davidge, a radio and television color commentator for the team since its inaugural season, will assume the role of studio analyst and host during the pre- and post-game editions of Blue Jackets Live and will contribute during intermissions. Davidge will be joined at the studio desk by second-year host Brian Giesenschlag. Rink side reporter Dave Maetzold also returns for his fifth season with the network while Jeff Rimer enters his 10th season in the Blue Jackets television booth.
"FOX Sports Ohio is always working to provide the highest quality broadcasts and the most in-depth coverage of the Columbus Blue Jackets," stated Francois McGillicuddy, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX Sports Ohio. "We are fortunate to have a knowledgeable and talented team of broadcasters, and we are excited for the 2014-15 season."
"We're excited to have a former Blue Jackets player in the television booth for the first time. In Jody's first year as a broadcaster, he showed a tremendous natural ability to explain the nuances of the game and connect with the audience," added Larry Hoepfner, Blue Jackets Executive Vice President of Business Operations. "We're also fortunate to maintain the experience Bill Davidge brings as a longtime coach and scout which, along with his knowledge of this franchise, shapes the relatable way he shares the game with viewers."
In addition to Shelley's expanded duties in the broadcast booth, he will continue to represent the hockey club as a team ambassador where he will also spearhead the organization of a Blue Jackets alumni association.
