After 17 years of broadcasting from the booth with Jim Jackson, Keith Jones is taking over as the President of Hockey Operations of the Philadelphia Flyers. Which leaves one all-important question:
Who’s gonna provide color commentary now?
There are a few candidates that could step into the job with ease (and one likely frontrunner), but let’s have some fun and spitball unexpected options. This list is not exhaustive, so definitely let us know in the comments who you think should have a chance to lend their voice to the Flyers’ television broadcasts!
Scott Hartnell
Hartnell is easily the frontrunner for the position: he’s already part of the studio crew, and has filled in for Jonesy when he’s been sick or on the national broadcast. Is this the safe, expected option? Yes. Is it the best? Hartnell’s fine and would do the job decently enough, but it’s not a particularly exciting choice.
Brian Boucher
Much like Hartnell, Boosh has filled in for Jonesy from time to time. He’s a former Flyer and is also very good at color commentary; there’s a reason he’s got a national gig. That same national gig is the biggest hurdle to get over though: would Boosh give up a sweet national broadcasting job to come back to Philly? Doubtful, but he’d be a stellar addition to the booth–the Boosh Booth, if you will.
James van Riemsdyk
By all accounts, JvR is not ready to retire–but if he were, he’d be great at color commentary. Sense of humor and personality? Check. Hockey IQ? Check. A killer Phil Kessel impression? Check. All the Flyers would have to do is give him a mouthguard to chew on during commercial breaks.
Eric Lindros
There’s just no way…but what if? The Big E? Calling Flyers games? Iconic. Imagine the reverence! But being on television probably doesn’t interest Lindros that much, let alone as a nightly broadcaster. Still, if the organization wanted to bring in a Flyers legend, Lindros would be the guy.
Jake Voracek
It’s a shame Voracek’s hockey playing career has ended early as a result of concussions, but he seems like the kind of player who can’t stay away from the game. Unfortunately, he probably isn’t cut out for national broadcasting, absent a drastic change in FCC guidelines regarding foul language. An alternative, no-holds-barred broadcast, though? Voracek would be incredible, and able to call everybody a “fuckin’ weasel” whenever he wants.
Bill Matz
Of course we gotta go to bat for one of our own! A radio-only broadcast of Matz and Voracek would be a thing for the ages. Please make it happen, Flyers.
Who do you think should be in the broadcast booth?
