Blackhawks Tue Jun 17 2008

Welcome back, Pat!

Making the long-rumored official, the Chicago Blackhawks welcomed back Pat Foley into the broadcast booth yesterday.

Foley was the voice of the Hawks for more than 25 years, before being let go two season ago after clashing with management. Foley spent the last two seasons calling AHL Chicago Wolves games, and while rumors swirled of his return, the annoucement couldn't be made official until the Wolves wrapped up their championship season last week.

Foley's rehiring continues the moves new owner Rocky Wirtz has made to restore the traditions of a once-proud franchise and rebuild the fanbase. Fans have always appreciated Foley's genuine enthusiasm and "call it like you see it" approach to the game, even if that meant being overly critical of the team on the ice, and his departure left many fans as angry as when star players were shown the door.

However, all that is forgotten, and Foley is rightfully back where he belongs. It'll be great to hear Pat's voice, especially with all 82 games on broadcast TV.

- Jeremy Piniak