The Blackhawks announced the hiring of Colby Cohen as a TV studio analyst on NBC Sports Chicago. Jamal Mayers and Steve Konroyd will not return next season, and other analysts likely will be added.
While discussions continue about potential successors for play-by-play voice Pat Foley, the Hawks brought aboard Cohen, 32, as a content analyst. The former NHL player and ESPN broadcaster will appear on all of the Hawks’ platforms, including social media, podcasts and the team’s website.
Cohen also figures to fill in for game analyst Eddie Olczyk when he’s working for TNT. Cohen filled in for Olczyk on one game last season. He has been an analyst for ESPN since 2016 and provided color for the NCAA men’s Frozen Four this year.
“I am incredibly honored to join the Blackhawks family and can’t wait to connect with the most passionate, knowledgeable and electric fans in hockey on a daily basis,” Cohen said in a statement. “Their enthusiasm and dedication to such a storied franchise is what makes the prospects of this position so exciting. I look forward to working with the many talented individuals at the Blackhawks and NBC Sports Chicago whose job it is to bring the fans the best coverage possible.”
Cohen worked for NBC Sports Philadelphia as a studio analyst for Flyers games from 2017 to 2020. He also has worked for CBS Sports, NESN and the American Sports Network.
“Chicago Blackhawks fans will appreciate Cohen’s deep and comprehensive knowledge,” said John Schippman, vice president of content for NBC Sports Chicago. “He’s quick with insight and a witty analyst. We saw firsthand his talent earlier this year, and we look forward to the experience he brings from on the ice and in the booth.”
A native of Villanova, Pennsylvania, Cohen was a second-round pick by the Avalanche in 2007 and made his NHL debut in November 2010. Cohen also played in the AHL and overseas. He was teammates with Hawks forward Patrick Kane on the USNTDP team during the 2005-06 season.
Cohen played three years at Boston University and scored the winning goal in overtime in the 2009 national championship. He also won the tournament’s MVP award.
