If you’ve tuned into a Bruins game lately, things probably sound a little different than they did a few seasons back. It’s unavoidable. For nearly two decades, Jack Edwards was the manic, poetic, and often polarizing soundtrack of Boston hockey. When he stepped away at the end of the 2023-24 season due to health-related speech issues, it left a massive, tumbling-muffin-sized hole in the broadcast.
Finding the right boston bruins nesn announcers to follow a legend isn't just about finding a good voice. It's about finding someone who understands that in New England, hockey is basically a religion, and NESN is the local cathedral.
The current booth is a mix of a fresh face (at least to the TV side) and a cornerstone veteran who has seen it all. Honestly, the chemistry developed faster than most of us expected.
The New Voice: Judd Sirott Moves to the Big Screen
Judd Sirott isn't "new" to Bruins fans, but he is the new guy in the NESN headset. After seven seasons as the radio voice on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Sirott made the jump to television for the 2024-25 season.
He had some massive skates to fill.
Sirott is a pro’s pro. He grew up in the Chicago area, calling games for the AHL’s Chicago Wolves and working with the Blackhawks before landing in Boston. What makes him work as one of the primary boston bruins nesn announcers is his pacing. While Jack was known for his high-octane (and sometimes controversial) rants, Sirott brings a crisp, traditional play-by-play style that focuses heavily on the mechanics of the game.
He has this way of letting the game breathe.
You’ll notice he doesn't feel the need to fill every millisecond of silence. When the TD Garden crowd gets loud after a Pasta goal, Sirott lets the ambient noise tell the story. It's a different energy, but it's one that fits the modern NHL broadcast style perfectly.
Andy Brickley: The Unshakable Foundation
If Sirott is the new engine, Andy Brickley is the chassis that keeps the whole thing together. "Brick" has been the color commentator for NESN since the 2000-01 season. Think about that for a second. He’s been in that booth for over 20 years.
He played for the B's. He’s a local guy from Melrose. He is Bruins hockey.
Brickley’s value lies in his ability to explain a complex defensive breakdown or a subtle stick lift in about five seconds. He doesn't use "hockey speak" to sound smart; he uses it to make the viewer smarter. Whether he's breaking down a Charlie McAvoy outlet pass or criticizing a lazy backcheck, he does it with a level of authority that only comes from a guy who played 385 NHL games.
The dynamic between Sirott and Brickley feels comfortable. It’s like they’ve been working together for a decade rather than just a couple of seasons. They have this rhythm where Sirott handles the chaos of the play, and Brickley steps in with the "why" and "how" the moment the whistle blows.
The Rinkside and Studio Crew
The broadcast is a lot more than just the two guys in the booth, though. The 2025-26 season has seen a rotating cast of familiar faces handling the surrounding coverage.
- Sophia Jurksztowicz: After taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, Sophia returned to the broadcast full-time. She’s a fan favorite for a reason—she’s great at getting the players to actually say something interesting during those awkward between-period interviews.
- Adam Pellerin: He’s the ultimate utility player for NESN. He hosts the pre-game, the post-game, and fills in rinkside. He’s steady and knows exactly how to keep the studio analysts in line.
- The Analysts: This is where the "Expert" part of the broadcast really shines. You’ve got Barry Pederson, a Bruins legend, providing the old-school perspective. Then you have Andrew Raycroft, who brings the goalie's POV and a bit of a younger, drier wit to the desk. Billy Jaffe usually rounds things out with high-energy tactical analysis.
Interestingly, NESN has also leaned into more diverse perspectives. For the third year in a row, they've utilized all-female crews for events like the Women’s Beanpot, featuring talent like Bridgette Proulx and Angela Ruggiero. This cross-pollination of talent keeps the main Bruins broadcasts feeling fresh.
Why This Group Ranks So High With Fans
Transitioning away from a long-time announcer is usually a nightmare. Just look at other major sports franchises that struggled for years to find "the guy" after a legend retired. NESN seemingly bypassed that drama by hiring from within the family.
By pulling Sirott from the radio side, they ensured the lead announcer already had a rapport with the players, the coaching staff, and most importantly, the listeners.
What You Should Watch (and Listen) For
If you want to get the most out of the broadcast, pay attention to how they handle the "Unobstructed Views" segments. This is NESN’s alternative broadcast—think Manningcast, but for hockey. They often bring in guys like Tuukka Rask or Patrice Bergeron (yes, really) to just sit and talk hockey while the game happens. It's a completely different way to experience the team.
Also, keep an eye on the "The Hockey Hub" vodcast. It features Jurksztowicz and Pellerin along with regular appearances from the booth guys. It’s where you’ll hear the more "human" side of the boston bruins nesn announcers, away from the pressure of a live 3-2 game against the Leafs.
Actionable Insights for the Dedicated Fan
To really keep up with how the broadcast evolves, you should:
- Check the NESN 360 App: If you miss a game, they often post "The Bricks" where Andy Brickley breaks down the most pivotal tactical moments of the night.
- Follow the Radio/TV Swap: Sometimes Sirott will mention something he discussed with the radio guys earlier in the day. Understanding that 98.5 and NESN are essentially two halves of the same brain helps you catch those inside jokes.
- Listen to the Crowd Mix: If you have a decent soundbar, listen to how the production team balances Sirott’s voice against the TD Garden crowd. It's one of the best "audio mixes" in the league right now.
The era of Jack Edwards was special, and it’ll never be replicated. But the current team has managed to respect that history while building something that feels sustainable for the next twenty years. They aren't trying to be Jack; they're just trying to call the best hockey in the world.
And honestly? They’re doing a pretty damn good job.
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