NHL Network's Steve Mears will replace Paul Steigerwald as the Root Sports "play-by-play voice for Penguins games starting next season," according to Josh Yohe of DK PITTSBURGH SPORTS. Mears, who was the Islanders radio voice from '06-09 and worked for Penguins Radio Network from '09-13, is "considered one of the more talented young people in his field by many in the industry." Steigerwald will "remain visible during broadcasts," as he has been hired by the team's communications and marketing departments and will be "involved with pregrame and postgame broadcasts and will work closely with the Penguins' in-house media operation" (DKPITTSBURGHSPORTS.com, 5/16). Mears has signed a "multiyear contract" and will join analyst Bob Errey, who is in his 14th season and "also signed a multiyear contract extension" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/16). In Pittsburgh, Jason Mackey notes Mears is the same guy whose life is "pretty much marked by significant events in Penguins history." Mears said, "It means so much more because it's my hometown team. It really is storybook material when you think about." For Root Sports Pittsburgh Senior VP & GM Shawn McClintock, hiring Mears was a "chance to add a top talent he had been impressed by since meeting" him at the NHL Draft. McClintock said, "I remember thinking, This guy is an emerging star in the business." Mackey notes the move with Steigerwald "was not easy." McClintock: "'Steigy' is tremendous. I think Steigy is a great ambassador for the Pittsburgh Penguins. ... Those on-ice ceremonies that he did throughout this year, specifically with the (50-year) anniversary ... he’s good with sponsors, ours and with the Penguins" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 5/17).
