Blue Jackets Hire Steve Mears As The New Television Play-By-Play Announcer, Replacing Jeff Rimer

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that Steve Mears has been hired as its new television play-by-play announcer.

Per a team statement, “Steve Mears brings a wealth of experience having broadcast games to regional, national and international audiences for nearly two decades and we are excited to have him join Jody Shelley to deliver Blue Jackets hockey to our fans,” said Blue Jackets Vice President of Business Intelligence and Broadcasting Marc Gregory. “Much like his predecessor Jeff Rimer, Steve has a deep level of knowledge and enthusiastic dedication to our game which is evident every time he broadcasts a game.”

"It’s truly an honor for me, and I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to call games for The 5^th Line as the television play-by-play announcer for the Columbus Blue Jackets,” said Mears in a statement. He also says, “I’ve seen first-hand for many years, as far back as when I attended games as a student at Bowling Green, how loyal and passionate Blue Jackets fans are and how special game nights at Nationwide Arena can be. With a great core of young, talented players, I can’t wait for the season to start and to work with Jody Shelley and our production team at Bally Sports Ohio.”

Mears, 44, was born in Pennsylvania but went to college at Bowling Green State University in Northwest Ohio. 

Mears has big shoes to fill, but there's no doubt that he and veteran Jody Shelley will make Rimer proud. 

Welcome to Columbus Steve Mears.