The Dog Days of Summer are normally a dead zone for hockey news. However, some waves were made this week in the form of changes to how Panther fans will watch games this season.
First, TV analyst and 500+ Game Panthers Alumni, Bill Lindsay, did not have his contract renewed by Fox Sports last Monday. Then on Tuesday, it was announced that Randy Moller will move from the radio booth to an analyst position on TV broadcasts. The Panthers then announced further changes on Thursday by way of an open audition for a new public address announcer and anthem singer for the 2015-16 season.
First, let’s start with the departure of Bill Lindsay. This came as a shock, as there were no prior indications that Lindsay would be departing Panther broadcasts. However, his contract was up and was not renewed. He had been an analyst on Panthers television since 2009. He also spent parts of 7 seasons with the franchise as a player, enjoying a first tenure as one of the original Panthers from 1993-1999 and a short second tenure in 2001-02. He’s a very popular figure among Panther fans and his departure was predictably met with negative reaction. His analysis of games was insightful and he always had great interaction with the fans. You can’t ask for more from an analyst. While it is definitely disappointing to see him go, this is not likely to be the last we will see of Bill Lindsay. In his own words on twitter, Lindsay stated that he will always “bleed Panthers Red”. It was also pointed out by George Richards, in light of guest analysts being used occasionally on radio, that Lindsay could perhaps reappear on radio. He would certainly be the most logical choice to have on. No other free agent analyst out there has covered the Panthers as well as he has.
Now, there’s the matter of Randy Moller’s move from radio to TV. He will handle pre-game, intermission, and post-game duties, while appearing between the benches on home games and select road games. A successor in the radio booth was not immediately named, however, they will be a solo act with occasional guest analysts. In his time on radio, Moller’s been a bombastic presence in the booth, with his pop culture reference goal calls going viral from time to time. Those will change in his new role, but its not hard to imagine him finding new ways to entertain Panther fans on TV. Between his knack for wacky humor, his energy as a broadcaster, and his gravelly voice, there will be plenty of opportunity for broadcast hijinx.
For those of you unaware of Moller’s goal calls, you’re in for a treat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3b_7S-sGBo
Lastly, there’s the matter of the new PA announcer and national anthem singer. There will be an open audition held on Wednesday, August 26. If you think you have the pipes to make it happen, come on out and give it your best. Doors open at BB&T Center at 3:30pm, and auditions get underway at 4.
For more information on applying, click here.
AJ can be reached for contact on Twitter.
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