A new voice: Steve Mears replaces Jeff Rimer as live commentator for the Blue Jackets’ television broadcasts

Steve Mears, formerly of the Pittsburgh Penguins broadcast team, has been announced as Jeff Rimer’s successor and will take over the live commentary for the television broadcasts of the Blue Jackets ice hockey team from Bally Sports Ohio.

Mears spent the 2023–24 season as a live commentator for the Penguins Radio Network and previously served on television as a live commentator for the Penguins on AT&T SportsNet.

He held this role for a total of six seasons.

Before joining the Penguins’ announcer’s booth, Mears spent five years with the NHL Network, where he was the voice of NHL International and commentated on special events such as outdoor games, All-Star games and the Stanley Cup Finals.

During the 2023–24 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Mears worked select games for TNT.

Mears is originally from Pennsylvania, but is familiar with Ohio as the 44-year-old is a graduate of Bowling Green State University.

He got his first job in the NHL in 2006 at the age of 26, when he spent the first of three seasons as a live radio commentator for the New York Islanders.

Mears is married to his wife Kirstin and the couple has a one-year-old child, Carter.