John Ahlers – Anaheim Ducks Broadcaster Celebrates 20 Years Behind the Mic
When you tune into an Anaheim Ducks broadcast, you’re hearing the voice of John Ahlers, the team’s dedicated television play-by-play announcer. Ahlers has established himself as the distinctive voice of Ducks hockey on Victory+, bringing games to life with his energetic and knowledgeable commentary. His broadcasting career with the Ducks spans many seasons, making him a familiar presence for fans following the team’s journey through the National Hockey League.
Before joining the Ducks, Ahlers built his broadcasting foundation at Michigan State University. The Lakeview High School graduate now calls Trabuco Canyon, California home, where he’s become an integral part of the Anaheim Ducks broadcasting team. Ahlers works alongside color analyst Brian Hayward on television broadcasts, forming a partnership that provides insightful coverage for hockey fans.
Ahlers’ consistent presence behind the microphone has made him one of the recognizable voices in hockey broadcasting. His play-by-play style combines technical knowledge with an appreciation for the game’s dramatic moments, helping viewers follow the action with clarity. As the Ducks continue their NHL journey, Ahlers remains the steady voice guiding fans through every goal, save, and pivotal moment on the ice.
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Broadcasting Background of John Ahlers
John Ahlers has built an impressive broadcasting career spanning decades, primarily known for his role with the Anaheim Ducks. His journey from collegiate sports to becoming one of hockey’s recognizable voices showcases his dedication to the craft.
Early Career and Education
Ahlers laid the foundation for his broadcasting career at Michigan State University, where he honed his skills calling Michigan State Spartans games. This early experience with collegiate athletics provided him valuable reps behind the microphone and helped develop his distinctive play-by-play style.
His educational background at Michigan State prepared him for the technical and creative aspects of sports broadcasting. These formative years calling Spartans games established his reputation as a reliable and engaging announcer, setting the stage for bigger opportunities.
After graduation, Ahlers worked his way through minor league hockey and regional sports networks, developing the voice and analytical approach that would eventually become familiar to Ducks fans.
Rise to National Prominence
Ahlers’ career took a significant turn when he joined the Anaheim Ducks (then the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim) as their television play-by-play announcer. As of the 2022-23 season, he had called an impressive 1,326 regular-season Ducks games, marking his 21st season with the organization.
His tenure with the Ducks includes broadcasting their journey through multiple playoff runs in the National Hockey League. Ahlers’ voice became synonymous with key moments in franchise history.
Beyond hockey, Ahlers expanded his broadcasting portfolio by working on the Game Show Network’s “Poker Royale” series, demonstrating versatility beyond sports announcing. He has maintained his position as the Ducks’ play-by-play voice on Victory+, establishing himself as a fixture in hockey broadcasting circles.
John Ahlers with the Anaheim Ducks
John Ahlers has established himself as the voice of Anaheim Ducks hockey on television, delivering play-by-play commentary that has become synonymous with the franchise. His distinctive broadcasting style and deep hockey knowledge have made him a fixture for Ducks fans tuning in to watch their team compete.
Joining the NHL Team
Ahlers joined the Anaheim Ducks as their television play-by-play announcer, bringing his talents to the NHL broadcast booth. Before landing this role, he had built experience calling hockey games at various levels, preparing him for the big stage of the National Hockey League.
His voice became familiar to Ducks fans as he settled into his position with the organization. Ahlers currently broadcasts games on Victory+, the network that carries Anaheim’s local game coverage.
A Michigan State University graduate, Ahlers brought both educational background and practical experience to his role with the Ducks. His hiring represented the organization’s commitment to quality broadcasting for their fanbase.
Partnership with Brian Hayward
Ahlers forms one half of the Ducks’ primary television broadcast team, working alongside color analyst Brian Hayward. This partnership has become one of the most recognizable broadcasting duos for Ducks fans.
The chemistry between Ahlers and Hayward has developed over years of calling games together. Their contrasting styles complement each other – Ahlers providing the precise play-by-play while Hayward offers expert analysis and insights.
As the play-by-play voice, Ahlers handles the moment-to-moment action, while Hayward provides color commentary drawing from his experience as a former NHL goaltender. This dynamic creates a balanced broadcast experience for viewers.
The duo has covered numerous seasons together, including playoff runs and significant franchise moments, creating a consistent viewing experience for the Anaheim faithful.
Memorable Broadcasting Moments
Throughout his tenure with the Ducks, Ahlers has called numerous significant moments in franchise history. His voice has become the soundtrack to many memorable Ducks achievements, including playoff series and key regular-season victories.
Ahlers was behind the microphone for crucial games during the Ducks’ competitive seasons, including their Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. His ability to capture the excitement and tension of these moments has endeared him to the fanbase.
His broadcasting has spanned different eras of Ducks hockey, from the days of stars like Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer to the current team featuring players like Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson.
Ahlers’ consistency in the broadcast booth has provided continuity for Ducks fans through changes in the team’s roster, coaching staff, and fortunes on the ice. His professional approach to calling both thrilling victories and disappointing defeats has become a hallmark of his broadcasting career in Anaheim.
John Ahlers’s Role at Bally Sports
John Ahlers has established himself as a cornerstone of Anaheim Ducks broadcasts on Bally Sports, serving as the team’s play-by-play commentator. His distinctive voice and hockey expertise have become synonymous with Ducks games in the Southern California market.
Association with Bally Sports SoCal
Ahlers serves as the primary play-by-play broadcaster for Anaheim Ducks games on Bally Sports SoCal. He works alongside color commentator Brian Hayward, forming a broadcasting duo that has gained recognition throughout the league. The partnership between Ahlers and Hayward has been a constant for Ducks fans tuning into regional broadcasts.
For the 2024-25 NHL season, Ahlers will continue his role with the network as Ducks broadcasts are remaining on Bally Sports. This provides stability for viewers in Bally Sports’ regional territory covering Southern California.
Ahlers has built a reputation for his detailed knowledge of the game and his ability to capture key moments with appropriate excitement and insight. His broadcasting style emphasizes clarity and game analysis.
Transition to Direct-to-Consumer Streaming
As the media landscape evolves, Ahlers’ broadcasts are becoming available through more channels beyond traditional cable. Bally Sports has developed its direct-to-consumer streaming option, Victory+, allowing fans to access Ducks games without a cable subscription.
This transition means Ahlers’ play-by-play calling now reaches audiences through both conventional regional sports network broadcasting and digital streaming platforms. The streaming service provides both subscription and ad-supported tiers for viewers.
For the 2024-25 season, Ahlers continues to adapt to these technological changes while maintaining his established broadcasting approach. His familiar voice provides continuity for Ducks fans regardless of how they choose to consume games.
Ahlers’ expertise has proven particularly valuable during this transition, as his experience helps bridge the gap between traditional broadcasting and modern streaming formats.
Regional Impact and Coverage
John Ahlers has become the voice that connects Ducks hockey to fans across Southern California. His broadcasting reach extends throughout multiple counties and has adapted to changing media landscapes to ensure fans maintain access to games.
Covering Diverse Territories
Ahlers’ play-by-play narration reaches fans across a vast Southern California territory. His broadcasts cover Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties, bringing Ducks hockey to millions of potential viewers.
As he enters his 23rd season calling Ducks games, Ahlers has developed deep knowledge of these markets and their hockey communities. This regional expertise allows him to connect with viewers from dense urban areas to more rural communities throughout Southern California.
The breadth of coverage is particularly notable given hockey’s growth in these non-traditional markets. Ahlers has witnessed—and helped facilitate—the sport’s expansion in Southern California through his consistent presence on regional broadcasts.
Free and Accessible Broadcasts
In a significant shift from previous broadcasting arrangements, Ducks games have moved from Bally Sports to over-the-air channels, making Ahlers’ commentary more accessible than ever. Games now appear on KCOP Channel 13 and Fox 11 Plus, removing cable subscription barriers.
The team’s partnership with Victory+ has further democratized access. All regional Ducks games are now available to stream free of charge on Victory+, allowing fans to watch from any device without subscription costs.
This accessibility expansion coincides with Ahlers having called over 1,326 regular-season Ducks games through the 2022-23 season. His familiar voice helps maintain continuity for longtime fans while welcoming new viewers who can now access games without financial barriers.
The Changing Sports Broadcasting Landscape
The sports broadcasting world is undergoing a seismic shift as traditional cable models give way to streaming platforms. This evolution has directly impacted how Ducks fans can watch John Ahlers call games in the 2024-25 season and beyond.
The Emergence of Streaming Media
The Anaheim Ducks have made a pivotal move away from regional sports networks to a more accessible model. The team announced a new broadcast partnership with Victory+ and KCOP for the 2024-25 season. This shift means 65 Ducks games will now air on an over-the-air channel in Los Angeles.
For fans, this is significant news. Games will be available without subscription fees, marking a departure from the paid model that has dominated sports viewing.
The broadcasts will be accessible on multiple platforms:
- Smart TVs
- Tablets
- Smartphones
This transition keeps John Ahlers, who has handled play-by-play duties for 22 seasons, calling Ducks games alongside analyst Brian Hayward.
Implications of Diamond Sports Group Bankruptcy
The Ducks’ broadcasting shift comes amid broader industry turmoil, particularly the bankruptcy proceedings of Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Bally Sports. This financial collapse has forced many teams to reconsider their broadcasting strategies.
Diamond’s bankruptcy filing in Texas sent shockwaves through the sports media landscape. The company had been struggling with a $8.6 billion debt load while managing broadcasting rights for numerous NHL, NBA, and MLB teams.
For Ahlers and the Ducks broadcast team, this industry upheaval presented both challenges and opportunities. The end of the Ducks’ association with Bally Sports opened the door to new broadcasting arrangements that potentially reach more viewers.
The move to Victory+ and KCOP puts the Ducks at the forefront of a growing trend of sports franchises seeking greater control over their broadcast destiny in an increasingly fragmented media environment.
Affiliations and Contributions
John Ahlers has built a notable career as a broadcaster, primarily with the Anaheim Ducks, while also maintaining connections with other teams and networks. His professional journey includes recognition for his broadcasting excellence and significant contributions to hockey coverage.
Stints with Other Teams and Networks
Before becoming the voice of the Anaheim Ducks, Ahlers developed his craft with several other franchises. He gained valuable experience working with the Los Angeles Kings early in his career, helping establish his reputation in hockey broadcasting circles.
Ahlers also spent time covering the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, broadening his knowledge of teams across different NHL divisions. This diverse experience proved invaluable when he later joined the Ducks organization.
Beyond hockey, Ahlers expanded his broadcasting portfolio with work for the Los Angeles Clippers, demonstrating versatility across different sports. His time in the International Hockey League (IHL) provided foundational experience that shaped his announcing style.
Currently, Ahlers serves as the television play-by-play announcer for the Ducks on Victory+, where he works alongside analyst Brian Hayward.
Awards and Recognitions
Ahlers’ broadcasting excellence has earned him significant industry recognition throughout his career. His distinctive play-by-play style has garnered attention from peers and viewers alike.
During his tenure with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (now Anaheim Ducks), Ahlers has received Emmy nominations for Best Live Sports Broadcast, highlighting his technical proficiency and engaging presentation.
The quality of his work was recognized early in his career when he received the IHL Broadcaster of the Year award, establishing him as a rising talent in hockey coverage.
| Season | Team | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-04 | Mighty Ducks of Anaheim | Broadcaster | Original Network |
| 2005-06 | Mighty Ducks of Anaheim | Broadcaster | Fox Sports |
| Current | Anaheim Ducks | Play-by-Play | Victory+ |
His longevity with the Ducks organization speaks to both his professional capabilities and his connection with the team’s fanbase. Ahlers continues to be a respected voice in hockey broadcasting circles.
Beyond the Commentary Booth
John Ahlers’s career extends far beyond his role as the voice of the Anaheim Ducks. His versatility as a broadcaster has taken him to various platforms and allowed him to make significant contributions to the sports community.
John Ahlers’s Presence in Other Media
Before becoming the Ducks’ play-by-play voice, Ahlers built an impressive resume across multiple networks. He worked for ESPN and TNT as a broadcaster, covering various sporting events.
His talents also took him to the Sunshine Network, where he gained valuable experience in regional sports coverage.
Ahlers made a notable foray into poker broadcasting as a commentator for GSN’s Poker Royale, demonstrating his versatility beyond hockey. His distinctive voice and analytical approach translated well to the poker table.
During his career, Ahlers has also served as a college football announcer for Sports USA, showcasing his ability to transition between different sports with ease.
Involvement in Sports Community
Ahlers has been calling Ducks games for over 20 years. As of the 2022-23 season, he has announced 1,326 regular-season Ducks games. His longevity speaks to both his talent and his commitment to the organization.
Beyond broadcasting, Ahlers has worked as a content coordinator. He helps shape the narrative around the teams he covers. His relationship with the Anaheim organization extends to working alongside team executives, including the team president, on various initiatives.
Based in Newport Beach, Ahlers has become a fixture in the Southern California sports scene. His Twitter account, playfully named @johnscookout, shows his lighter side and connection with fans.
