#ESPN tabs Sean McDonough as lead NHL play-by-play voice

ESPN has named Sean McDonough as its lead play-by-play announcer for its NHL coverage, the company announced in a press release on Tuesday. 

McDonough, 59, has cemented himself as one of the network’s top play-by-play voices since his hiring in 2000. He is a staple on ESPN’s college football and college basketball coverage, and previously served as an announcer for “Monday Night Football” from 2016-18. 

Though McDonough has not been a part of a hockey broadcast in the last 15 years, he does have prior experience calling both collegiate hockey and the NHL during his early years at ESPN. 

In addition to McDonough, Steve Levy, John Buccigross, Bob Wischusen and Leah Hextall will provide play-by-play. The analyst team includes Mark Messier, Chris Chelios, Ray Ferraro, Brian Boucher, Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Kevin Weekes, Ryan Callahan, A.J. Mleczko, Rick DiPietro, Hilary Knight and Barry Melrose.

ESPN re-acquired the rights to NHL broadcasts in March following a 17-year hiatus. The two parties agreed to a seven-year deal that includes 25 regular-season games on ESPN or ABC, one early-round playoff series and one conference final each year, along with four Stanley Cup Final series over the duration of the contract.