Judd Sirott will work alongside analyst Andy Brickley in the NESN broadcast booth, per a release on Thursday.
“This is the best job in the National Hockey League: an Original Six team in one of the best hockey markets in the nation, situated in a prime city,” stated Judd Sirott. “It is a privilege to serve as the Boston Bruins’ play-by-play announcer on NESN. Working with Andy Brickley and the NESN production team will be an honor, and I am appreciative of this chance extended to me by the Boston Bruins organization, NESN, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and numerous others.
Following Jack Edwards’ retirement and a nationwide search, Sirott will become a member of the NESN broadcast crew.
Most recently, he worked for 98.5 The Sports Hub for the previous seven seasons as the Bruins’ radio voice.
“[He] is a superb broadcaster with a thorough understanding of our company, the fan base, and the market,” the Boston Bruins’ CEO and Alternate Governor Charlie Jacobs said.
Sirott, an Arlington Heights, Illinois native, studied broadcasting for hockey and football at the University of Michigan.
His 12-year tenure as the play-by-play announcer and head of public relations for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League marked the start of his professional hockey broadcasting career.
He worked as the Chicago Blackhawks’ studio host for nine years prior to moving to Boston and taking over as play-by-play host at 98.5 The Sports Hub.
He will now be in the booth with Andy Brickley for his 24th season with NESN in the next season.
The forward, formerly of the Boston Bruins, says he can’t wait to work.
“I grew up listening to the renowned play-by-play voices of Bruins games on the radio.” Thus, I’m overjoyed to have Andy Brickley, NESN color commentator, join me in calling games on TV along with the B’s most recent, excellent radio voice. “Judd’s enthusiasm for the game, his familiarity with and love for the Bruins, and his regard for the supporters will be greatly appreciated by NESN viewers.” I’m forward to start working with you!”
There have only been a few play-by-play broadcasters on NESN, most notably Jack Edwards, who had an outstanding 19-year career.
Other longtime NESN play-by-play commentators for the Bruins are Dave Shea, Fred Cusick, and Dale Arnold.
On Tuesday, October 8, the Boston Bruins will take on the Florida Panthers on the road to start the regular season.
On Thursday, October 10, the Black & Gold will make their way back to Boston for their home opener against the Montreal Canadiens.
Three Providence Bruins Could Make the 2024–2025 NHL Roster.
The Boston Bruins 2024 Rookie Camp will begin in a little more than a month, and the team’s training camp will begin a week later. Almost without fail, there is a player on the opening night roster that few anticipated would be there heading into training. That player was Matthew Poitras the previous year, who had a fantastic preseason and was both a team member and an instant effect. These four players, who will be playing most of 2023–24 in Providence, have a good chance of cracking the Bruins squad this season.
Bussi, Brandon
For obvious reasons, Brandon Bussi is arguably the most probable Providence Bruin to make the NHL squad this year. With two of the top ten goalies in the league positioned as 1A and 1B in their lineup, the Bruins had no room for him on the roster despite his numerous outstanding seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) in recent years.
Bussi and the recently acquired Joonas Korpisalo are expected to engage in combat during training camp’s opening night backup position. It would be surprising if the Bruins did not give Bussi at least one opportunity to establish himself in the NHL, unless Korpisalo takes the backup role and plays exceptionally well to start the season. Over the last two seasons, he has been as reliable as they come in Providence, with save percentages of.913 and.924, respectively.
Lysell Fabian
For Fabian Lysell, it seemed to be either now or never. The 21-year-old first-round selection is still yet to participate in an NHL game. He has the tools to establish himself as one of the Bruins’ top six players, and he has a great chance to do it right out of training camp. Lysell will probably play on the team’s second line with seasoned players Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle if he earns the chance.
Lysell is a versatile playwright. If given the chance to play with linemates like those in the Bruins’ top six, he possesses the raw talent to be an impact player. He is quick and nimble. He scored 50 points and 15 goals in 56 games during his final season at Providence. Lysell’s capacity to maintain his health is one of the key issues. He is small at 5 feet 11 inches and 172 pounds. This, along with his quick style of play, has caused some significant collisions; as a result, he missed the last few games of the previous season due to a concussion. But if he can maintain his health and earn a position on the team, the possibilities are endless.
Georgii Merkulov
Georgii Merkulov is another Providence Bruins player that might have an influence on the NHL team this year. With a top-six skill set, Merkulov’s playing style is similar to Lysell’s. In 2023–24, he virtually had a point per game while playing for Providence, collecting 30 goals along the road, earning him a chance to join the NHL roster. Merkulov’s four-game stint in Boston last season seems doomed to fail, as he spent most of his time on the fourth line and received little more than forty minutes of playing time. He began the majority of his shifts in the defensive zone.
Given that Merkulov is three years older than Lysell and appears to be progressing a bit faster, expect Merkulov to be given a chance to crack the starting lineup for the Bruins this season if Lysell doesn’t impress during training camp.
Call-Ups
This summer, the Bruins saw some change, losing important players like Jake DeBrusk and Linus Ullmark. While some of the ensuing openings were filled in free agency, AHLers could anticipate more chances to establish their value at the greatest level. In 2024–2025, keep an eye out for Bussi, Lysell, and Merkulov as possible replacements who could have an influence on the Bruins.
