John Wiedeman is an American broadcaster who is the radio play-by-play announcer for the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks.
Early life and career edit
Wiedeman grew up in Kansas City, Missouri.[1] He worked for his family's plumbing parts supply company until 1988. Wiedeman attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1989. He decided to pursue a career in broadcasting at the age of 31.[2] Wiedeman moved to Chicago in 1992 where he hoped to find work as a sports broadcaster. He was a bartender at a comedy club in Mount Prospect, Illinois and also served as an unpaid reporter for WCSJ in Morris, Illinois to cover Chicago Blackhawks games.[3][4]
Broadcasting career edit
Wiedeman served as the radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster for the Muskegon Fury (1992–1994), Worcester IceCats (1994–1996), and Cincinnati Cyclones (1997–2001).[5] He worked his way to the National Hockey League (NHL), where he served as the radio and substitute TV play-by-play commentator for the Philadelphia Flyers (1996), Tampa Bay Lightning (1997), Columbus Blue Jackets (2001), and New York Islanders (2001–2006).[6] He joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 2006 and served as the team's radio play-by-play commentator.[6][7] Wiedeman provided commentary for the Blackhawks alongside Troy Murray on the radio, including three Stanley Cup Finals in 2010, 2013 and 2015.[6]
In 2021, the Blackhawks announced Pat Foley would retire as the team's TV play-by-play commentator after the season. Wiedeman, along with other announcers, "auditioned" to succeed Foley throughout the 2021–22 NHL season.[8] In April 2022, the Blackhawks announced that Wiedeman would retain his role as the team's radio broadcast play-by-play announcer, and would not be selected to replace Foley on TV for the 2022–23 NHL season.[9][10] Wiedeman signed a three-year extension with the Blackhawks in April 2024.[11]
Awards and honors edit
John has been awarded the following honors by the Illinois Broadcasters Association:[5]
- 2015 Best Play by Play, Chicago Market. Shared with colleagues Troy Murray and Judd Sirott.
- 2014 Best Play by Play, Chicago Market. Shared with Murray and Sirott.
- 2014 National Sportscaster and Sportswriters Association Illinois Sportscaster of the Year.
- 2012 Best Sports Story shared with Murray.
- 2011 Best Play by Play, Chicago Market shared with Murray.
Personal life edit
Wiedeman and his wife, Kelly, have one daughter and one son.[5]
References edit
- ^ Sherman, Ed (2015-05-20). "WGN's John Wiedeman loves doing hometown call for Blackhawks in playoffs". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ Powers, Scott (2019-01-24). "Better late than never: How John Wiedeman found his passion in broadcasting". The Athletic. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ Ziehm, Len (2006-09-29). "Hawks 'ultimate reward' for Wiedeman". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2021-10-17 – via PressReader.
- ^ Musick, Tom (2014-01-20). "Musick: Determination led Hawks' Wiedeman to broadcast booth". Shaw Media. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ a b c "JOHN WIEDEMAN - RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY". Chicago Blackhawks. NHL.com. 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ a b c Kuc, Chris (2019-10-19). "FEATURE: Wiedeman, Murray Bring Passion for Game to Radio". Chicago Blackhawks. NHL.com. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ Pope, Ben (2021-06-23). "Blackhawks broadcaster Pat Foley will step down after upcoming season". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ Agrest, Jeff (2021-09-29). "Blackhawks announce fill-ins for TV voice Pat Foley as he begins final season with team". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ Dietz, John (2022-02-26). "Dietz: Hawks making wrong call with Wiedeman". Daily Herald. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
- ^ Roumeliotis, Charlie (2022-08-25). "Blackhawks name Troy Murray, Patrick Sharp as TV analysts". NBC Sports Chicago. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
- ^ Rubinstein, Tori (April 10, 2024). "WGN Radio announces three-year extension with Blackhawks". NBC Sports Chicago. Retrieved April 12, 2024.