A familiar voice in the New England hockey world has been tapped as the Bruins’ Play-by-Play announcer for 98.5 The Sports Hub: Ryan Johnston.

Johnston takes over for Judd Sirott, who left the radio seat in August for a Play-by-Play role with NESN after Jack Edwards called it a career on his legendary 19-year run behind the television microphone this past spring.

Johnston brings familiarity to listeners over the airwaves, serving as a Play-by-Play fill-in on 98.5’s Bruins Radio Network since 2010. He will now be on commentator Bob Beers’ side permanently.

“This is truly my dream job, and I could not be more excited for this opportunity,” Johnston said in a release on Friday. “I’m thankful to the management team at 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Bruins organization for putting their faith in me. I’m fortunate to work alongside Bob Beers, who is one of the best analysts in the NHL. Really looking forward to the season and providing listeners with the quality broadcast they’ve come to expect.”

The Syracuse graduate has vast Play-by-Play experience in the New England hockey ranks calling Boston College hockey on the Sports Hub for two seasons while handling duties for the Beanpot Tournament and Hockey East tournament games also carried on the station.

Before they moved elsewhere, Johnston served as the voice for the Lowell Lock Monsters and Lowell Devils AHL franchises for nine seasons.

“Ryan and Bob will make a great pairing,” Program Director Rick Radzik said in a release. “Our listeners and hockey fans in the region are obviously very familiar with them. They’ve spent time together over the years calling some Bruins games, the Beanpot tournament, as well as co-hosting our Saturday Hockey Show. I can’t wait for them to get started.

Bruins fanatics have also gotten to know Johnston with his “Sports Hub Hockey Show” that he has hosted on Saturday mornings since 2012. He regularly fills in on 98.5’s “Toucher & Hardy” morning show.

“We are excited to welcome Ryan as the new radio voice of the Bruins,” Bruins President Cam Neeley said in a release. “Ryan comes into this role with a deep familiarity and knowledge of the Boston Bruins team, fans and organization, and we are confident he will bring a fresh perspective on-air.”

Johnston will mark only the 10th Play-by-Play voice to call Bruins hockey on the radio since 1924.

Fred Toucher, speaking on his program Friday morning, called Johnston’s promotion a “great, great story.”

“Has there ever been anyone more deserving for a job?” he said. “This is a great, great story because it’s a story — a lot of people would have given up, a lot of people would have said ‘I can’t do it, I’ve got to get something more stable’ … but this guy didn’t. It was perseverance.”

Originally Published: September 13, 2024 at 6:13 p.m.