The Los Angeles Kings have announced that veteran broadcaster John Kelly will take the helm as their lead play-by-play announcer for FanDuel Sports Network telecasts during the 2025-26 NHL season. This move follows the retirement of Hall of Fame announcer Nick Nickson, concluding his remarkable 44-year tenure with the organization. The announcement marks a significant transition for the Kings’ broadcast team as they aim to maintain their tradition of delivering top-tier coverage to fans.
John Kelly, a second-generation broadcaster born on July 25, 1960, in Ottawa, Ontario, brings a wealth of experience to Los Angeles. The son of legendary St. Louis Blues announcer Dan Kelly, John has carved out an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the NHL. Kelly most recently served as the play-by-play voice for the St. Louis Blues, a role he held since rejoining the team after the 2004-05 NHL lockout. His tenure with the Blues included calling their historic 2019 Stanley Cup victory, a milestone that cemented his legacy in St. Louis.
Kelly’s broadcasting journey began alongside his father, joining him in the booth for a Blues game against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 17, 1988. He became a full-time member of the Blues’ broadcast team for the 1989-90 season before taking on play-by-play roles with the Tampa Bay Lightning (1992-1995) and the Colorado Avalanche (1995-2004). During his time in Denver, Kelly documented two Stanley Cup Championships in 1996 and 2001, earning acclaim for his energetic calls, including his iconic phrases, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” after big Avalanche goals and “SAVE BY ROY!” for goaltender Patrick Roy’s standout moments.
In July 2025, the Blues and FanDuel Sports Network opted not to renew Kelly’s contract, paving the way for his move to Los Angeles. His extensive experience and respected reputation within the NHL made him a natural fit to succeed Nickson, whose retirement left big shoes to fill after calling both of the Kings’ Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014.
Kelly will be joined in the booth by longtime Kings analyst Jim Fox, who has been a staple of the team’s broadcasts for over four decades as both a player and commentator. Fox will serve as the lead analyst, with former Kings players Tony Granato, Ray Ferraro, and Jarret Stoll rotating in the analyst role for select games. Additionally, Josh Schaefer, who has called games for the Kings’ AHL affiliate in Ontario since 2021, will handle play-by-play for select telecasts and serve as the primary radio voice on ESPN LA.
The Kings and FanDuel Sports Network have planned a robust 68-game local broadcast schedule for the 2025-26 regular season, complemented by two preseason matchups. Fans can access these games through various platforms, including cable providers like Spectrum, DIRECTV, Cox, and Fubo, as well as streaming options via the FanDuel Sports Network app or Amazon Prime Video as an add-on subscription. Eight games will also be simulcast on KCAL-TV, starting with the November 1 matchup against the New Jersey Devils.
Kings President and Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille expressed enthusiasm for the new broadcast team, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to excellence. “We are thrilled to have such a strong, diverse, and enthusiastic team of talent for L.A. Kings telecasts on FanDuel Sports Network,” Robitaille said. “The L.A. Kings have always taken great pride in serving our fans with the best team of broadcasters in our sport, and this crew will certainly deliver the level of quality our fans have come to expect each season.”
Jay Rothman, FanDuel Sports Network’s Vice President of Production overseeing NHL coverage, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our goal is to elevate our broadcasts and bring our viewers closer to the action than ever before. We’re excited to bring together such a deep roster of expert voices to deliver a fresh perspective each night the Kings take the ice.”
Kelly’s arrival signals a new era for Kings hockey broadcasts, building on the legacy of iconic voices like Bob Miller and Nick Nickson. His passion for the game, honed over decades of calling high-stakes NHL action, aligns with the Kings’ goal of maintaining their reputation for high-quality broadcasts. Kelly has expressed eagerness to immerse himself in the Kings’ organization, planning to be actively involved during training camp and the preseason to connect with the team and its fanbase.
As the Kings prepare for the 2025-26 season, fans can look forward to Kelly’s seasoned voice guiding them through the action, paired with the analytical expertise of Fox and the rotating cast of former players. With a comprehensive broadcast schedule and multiple viewing options, the Kings are poised to keep fans engaged as they chase success on the ice.
