Chicago Blackhawks: Celebrating 37 seasons of Pat Foley

On April 19th, 2013, the Chicago Blackhawks had a ‘Pat Foley Night ceremony’, celebrating 30 years of Foley with the Blackhawks.

Pat Foley, in my opinion, is the best announcer in all of the team sports. I love Foley with the Chicago Blackhawks. For MMA, I love Joe Rogan. For podcasts, I like Chris Jericho and Joe Rogan. It depends on the topic, but I have my favorites for everything.

Foley trumps ever announcer in sports. He isn’t bland, he has his own style, and he isn’t trying to be anyone else. He has his jokes, he makes his commentary ‘can’t miss’ and he doesn’t miss a beat.

Normally, Pat Foley is paired mostly with Eddie Olczyk. Olczyk does work other games though, something Foley doesn’t do.

When Olczyk is busy, the Blackhawks turn to Steve Konroyd for color commentary. Everyone loves Olczyk, but I’m more of a Konroyd guy myself. I’d rather see Eddie behind the Blackhawks’ bench.

Now, NBC Sports Chicago has their broadcast team, which includes Patrick Sharp and Steve Konroyd, along with others between periods. Konroyd is involved with the intermission report when he isn’t in the booth with Foley.

Other players including Adam Burish and Brian Campbell have found themselves working during the intermission report as well.

Back to Foley, he just doesn’t seem to ever screw up. He knows everything there is to know about the Blackhawks. When he’s announcing, he adds information about the team that not many people knew about, from years ago. Foley has a photographic memory.

So, anytime I get a chance to express my appreciation for Pat Foley, I will. Hockey games wouldn’t be the same without Foley in the booth. He brings just an extra level of excitement, something that can’t be faked or replicated.

After every game, Foley says this: “This is Pat Foley, I hope you enjoyed the broadcast.” That just shows his dedication to his craft, also making sure people know he appreciates the fans. After wins, he adds “I know you enjoyed the outcome.”

So, the Hall of Fame announcer is just 65 years old. We can expect more from Foley. I mean, come on, Dick Vitale has announced since the late 70s. Vitale is 80 years old and he still covers basketball.

Another 15 years of Foley would be great. Will it happen? Who knows. It depends on his health, family, and will to keep going.