If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in I-64 traffic while the Blues are on a power play, you know that the St Louis Blues play by play isn't just background noise. It’s a lifeline. There is a specific kind of tension that exists only in hockey radio—the sound of skates carving ice, the thud of a puck against the boards, and that frantic, rising pitch in a commentator's voice when Jordan Kyrou finds a seam in the neutral zone. In St. Louis, we’ve been spoiled. We grew up on Dan Kelly’s "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" and transitioned into the modern era with voices that understand the city’s blue-collar hockey soul.
Radio is different. On TV, you can see the play developing. You know the puck is loose in the crease before the announcer even opens their mouth. But on the radio? You are at the mercy of the narrator.
The Voice of the Note: Chris Kerber’s Mastery
Chris Kerber has been the primary architect of the St Louis Blues play by play experience on the radio for over two decades. Think about that for a second. Twenty-plus years of calling games. He’s seen the dark years of the mid-2000s, the "Longest Game" heartbreaks, and, of course, the 2019 glory. Kerber’s style is fast. It has to be. Hockey is the only sport where the object of play moves at 100 miles per hour and players swap out every 45 seconds.
He doesn't just call the game; he paints the geometry of the rink. If the puck is at the "half-wall" or the "high slot," Kerber tells you exactly where that is in relation to the goalie’s blocker. It’s technical but somehow feels like a conversation at a bar.
Paired with Joey Vitale, the energy is basically off the charts. Vitale, a former Blues forward himself, brings that "meat-and-potatoes" player perspective. When Vitale screams after a big hit or a Brayden Schenn goal, it isn't fake broadcaster energy. It’s the sound of a guy who genuinely loves the Note. They have this chemistry that’s hard to replicate—Kerber provides the map, and Vitale provides the engine.
Why the TV Side Feels Different Now
On the television side, things have been a bit... turbulent lately. With the shifts in regional sports networks (RSN) and the transition from Bally Sports to FanDuel Sports Network, fans have had to keep up with more than just the standings. John Kelly—son of the legendary Dan Kelly—remains the gold standard for the St Louis Blues play by play on screen.
Kelly has this "classic" feel. He doesn’t over-explain. He lets the crowd noise do the heavy lifting. When the Enterprise Center gets loud after a big save by Jordan Binnington, Kelly knows when to stay silent. It’s a lost art in broadcasting. Most guys want to talk over the moment. Kelly lets the moment breathe.
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Then there’s Jamie Rivers. Taking over the color commentary role after Darren Pang headed to Chicago was no small task. "Panger" was a beloved figure in St. Louis for his "Holy Jumpin!" catchphrase and infectious personality. Rivers, however, has carved out his own space by being incredibly analytical. He sees the game like a coach. If a defenseman misses a rotation, Rivers is on it before the replay even starts.
The Evolution of the "Call"
Honestly, the way we consume the St Louis Blues play by play has changed drastically because of technology. Remember when you had to stay within range of KMOX 1120 AM? If you drove too far toward Columbia or headed down into the Ozarks, the signal would start to fuzz out right as the Blues entered the offensive zone. It was infuriating.
Now, it’s everywhere.
- The NHL App: You can stream the home or away radio feed anywhere in the world.
- 101 ESPN: The local hub for Blues talk and game broadcasts.
- Satellite Radio: SiriusXM carries the feeds, which is a godsend for long-haul truckers who are die-hard Blues fans.
But here is the thing: the "vibe" of the play-by-play changes depending on the medium. On 101.1 FM (WXOS), the coverage feels more "homer" centric, and that’s exactly what fans want. We don't want unbiased journalism during a divisional matchup against the Blackhawks. We want someone who is as frustrated as we are when a penalty goes uncalled.
The Mechanics of a Great Hockey Call
What actually makes a good St Louis Blues play by play sequence? It’s not just naming the players. It’s about the cadence.
- The Lead-In: Setting the scene. Who is in goal? What are the jersey colors? (Even though we know, it sets the stage).
- The Flow: Using verbs that match the speed. "Dished," "Fireballed," "Ripped," "Dangled."
- The Climax: The goal call. It needs to be distinct.
Think about the most famous calls in team history. When Pat Maroon scored in double overtime against Dallas in 2019, the radio call was pure chaos. It wasn't "balanced" or "professional." It was a visceral scream of relief. That is what people search for. They don't search for the box score; they search for the sound of the winning goal.
Dealing with the "New" Reality of Blackouts
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Watching or listening to the St Louis Blues play by play has become a bit of a headache for the average fan. Between ESPN+, Hulu, and the regional networks, sometimes you need a PhD in streaming services just to find the game.
This has actually led to a resurgence in radio popularity. When the TV broadcast is blacked out because of some weird contractual dispute between a cable provider and a network, fans go back to the roots. They turn on the radio, sync it up with the TV (if they can), and listen to Kerber. It’s a workaround that reminds us why the radio broadcast is the backbone of the franchise.
Analyzing the "Kelly Effect"
John Kelly’s voice is, quite literally, the sound of St. Louis hockey for multiple generations. When you hear him say "He scores!" it triggers a hit of dopamine for anyone who grew up watching games on FSN Midwest or its various iterations.
But there’s a nuance to his play-by-play that people overlook. He uses a lot of "old school" terminology that keeps the history of the game alive. He refers to the "sin bin" or the "lumber" being used for a slash. It’s these small linguistic choices that make the St Louis Blues play by play feel like a continuous thread from the 1967 expansion to today.
How to Better Experience the Game
If you want to actually get the most out of the play-by-play, stop just passively listening.
- Listen for the "Third Man": Pay attention to the ice-level reporters. They often catch things the main booth misses, like a player limping to the bench or a heated exchange between coaches.
- Watch the Official Blues Socials: Often, the team will post "Sync'd Highlights" where they take the radio call and put it over the TV footage. Usually, the radio call is 10x more energetic.
- Check the Pre-game: The play-by-play starts 30 minutes before puck drop. This is where the real "meat" of the strategy is discussed.
The Future of Blues Broadcasting
As we look toward the next few seasons, the St Louis Blues play by play landscape will likely keep shifting. We are seeing more "Manning-cast" style alternate broadcasts and more integration of real-time betting odds. While some purists hate it, it’s where the industry is heading.
However, the core remains. Whether it’s via a smart speaker, a car radio, or a high-end surround sound system, the play-by-play is the heartbeat of the season. It’s how we process the 82-game grind. It's the voice that tells us everything is going to be okay when the team is on a four-game losing streak, and the voice that screams alongside us when the Cup is within reach.
Actionable Steps for the True Fan
To get the most out of your Blues listening and viewing experience this season, start by downloading the 101 ESPN app; it’s the most reliable way to catch the radio feed without interference. If you’re struggling with TV blackouts, look into the direct-to-consumer streaming options provided by the new FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally). Finally, make it a point to listen to at least one full period on the radio this month—even if you're at home. You'll notice details about player positioning and puck movement that the cameras often zoom right past. It’s a different way to see the game, and honestly, it’s often the better one.