The Penguins have named Steve Mears play-by-play broadcaster of the Penguins Radio Network, it was announced today by President of Business Operations Kevin Acklin.
Mears joins long-time color analyst Phil Bourque in the broadcast booth, while Paul Steigerwald will continue his duties as pre- and post-game host.
Mears, a native of Murrysville, Pennsylvania and graduate of Franklin Regional High School, spent the past six seasons as television play-by-play broadcaster of the Penguins on AT&T SportsNet. Before joining AT&T SportsNet, Mears spent five seasons with NHL Network, which included serving as host of NHL Live, NHL NOW and as play-by-play announcer for the World Junior Championship and NHL International. As the voice of NHL International, Mears has called numerous outdoor NHL games, All-Star Games and four Stanley Cup Finals (the first two of which were won by the Penguins).
Prior to his time at NHL Network, Mears spent three years as a host on the Penguins Radio Network and PensTV. From 2006 to 2009, he also served as the radio play-by-play broadcaster for the New York Islanders, his first job in the NHL. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University.
Joining Mears in the booth for his 21st season on the Penguins broadcast team is two-time Stanley Cup Champion Phil Bourque, who will continue his role as color analyst.
A gritty winger/defenseman, Bourque was signed by Pittsburgh as a free agent in 1982, and went on to record 164 points (75G-89A) in 344 regular-season games with the Penguins between 1983 and 1992. For his career he totaled 199 points (88G-111A) in 477 games with the Penguins, New York Rangers and Ottawa.
Since retiring from professional hockey in 2000, Bourque has co-hosted Penguins pre- and post-game shows on the Penguins Radio Network, has worked as a contributor for television coverage of Penguins hockey and participated in various alumni events.
Pittsburgh native Paul Steigerwald is entering his sixth year as pre- and post-game host of the Penguins Radio Network and 44th overall around the organization.
Steigerwald has been a fixture with the team since 1980, serving in many roles including 11 seasons as play-by-play announcer on Penguins telecasts, six seasons as the radio voice of the Penguins, and 14 seasons as color commentator for both TV and radio broadcasts.
