Josh Schaefer – Los Angeles Kings: Rising Star Making Waves in NHL
Josh Schaefer is making waves in the hockey broadcasting world as a voice for the Los Angeles Kings organization. Currently, he serves as the primary play-by-play voice of the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the LA Kings. Schaefer has quickly established himself as a rising talent in sports broadcasting. The West Hills, California native achieved a career milestone when he made his NHL broadcasting debut on October 9, 2021, calling a game between the Kings and the Anaheim Ducks on the LA Kings iHeart Audio Network.
A graduate of the prestigious Cronkite School at Arizona State University, Schaefer has seamlessly combined his educational background with his passion for hockey. His broadcasting style brings clarity and excitement to Reign games, while his additional work with the Kings organization showcases his versatility. Schaefer represents the next generation of hockey broadcasters developing through the professional ranks.
Contents
Biography
Josh Schaefer is a Los Angeles-based broadcaster who has made his mark in hockey broadcasting, serving as the voice of the Ontario Reign while also making appearances on LA Kings broadcasts. His journey from Southern California to professional broadcasting showcases his dedication to sports media.
Early Life and Education
Josh Schaefer grew up in West Hills, California, a suburb in the western San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. From an early age, he developed a passion for sports broadcasting, particularly focused on hockey and baseball.
His academic path led him to Arizona State University’s prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. At Cronkite, Schaefer honed his broadcasting skills while working on student productions.
The ASU graduate built a foundation in play-by-play announcing during his college years, participating in campus radio and television broadcasts. This hands-on experience proved invaluable as he prepared for his professional career.
Career Path
Schaefer’s professional journey took a significant step forward when he joined the Ontario Reign, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. As the Reign’s primary play-by-play voice, he brings the team’s games to life for hockey fans across Southern California.
His career reached a milestone when he made his NHL broadcasting debut on October 9, 2021, calling a game between the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks on the LA Kings iHeart Audio Network. This achievement marked his arrival on the sport’s biggest stage.
Beyond game calls, Schaefer’s responsibilities include podcast production and content creation for the Kings organization. His versatility extends to baseball as well, evidenced when he called the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series win during an intermission show on ESPN Los Angeles.
Professional Journey with the LA Kings
Josh Schaefer has established himself as a vital part of the Los Angeles Kings broadcasting team, bringing his distinctive voice and analytical skills to fans across multiple platforms. His career with the organization demonstrates a steady progression of responsibilities and growing influence.
Role and Responsibilities
As a broadcaster for the LA Kings, Schaefer serves as a play-by-play announcer on the team’s audio network. He made his NHL broadcasting debut on October 9, 2021, when the Kings hosted the Anaheim Ducks on the LA Kings iHeart Audio Network.
Schaefer occasionally steps in as lead play-by-play announcer when needed, as he did for two games in November when he filled in for Nick Nickson during road games against Nashville and Minnesota. The Kings organization announced this temporary role change on their official channels.
Beyond regular season duties, Schaefer provides analysis during playoff pushes and contributes to supplemental content like “The Crown Report.” His responsibilities include pre-game coverage, in-game calling, and post-game analysis.
Notable Achievements
Schaefer’s work has earned recognition within the organization as he rose from regional broadcasting to the NHL level. As a West Hills, CA native, his journey to broadcasting for his local team represents a significant professional achievement.
He has expanded his influence beyond just game calls by co-hosting “The Crown Report with Scott & Josh,” where he provides in-depth analysis of the Kings’ playoff prospects and roster moves. This platform showcases his analytical abilities and hockey knowledge.
His versatility is evident in his work across multiple levels of the Kings organization, including coverage of AHL affiliate teams. This cross-level experience has made him valuable during discussions of prospect development and team strategy.
| Season | Role | Notable Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | NHL Debut | Kings vs. Ducks (Oct 9, 2021) |
| 2022-23 | Fill-in Lead Announcer | Road games (Nashville, Minnesota) |
| 2023-24 | Regular Broadcaster | Playoff push coverage |
Josh Schaefer’s Impact on the Team
Schaefer brings a unique perspective to Kings broadcasts, offering analytical insight while maintaining accessibility for fans. He has become known for his ability to break down complex plays and team strategies in straightforward terms.
His work bridges the gap between the NHL Kings and their development system, providing continuity in coverage across the organization. When discussing potential call-ups or prospect development, Schaefer’s familiarity with both levels adds valuable context for fans.
During the team’s recent playoff pushes, Schaefer has highlighted key strategic decisions such as the acquisition of Andrei Kuzmenko and improvements to the power play unit. His analysis helps frame the narrative around team performance and management decisions.
As his presence grows on Kings broadcasts, Schaefer continues to build his reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable voice for the franchise and its fanbase.
Media and Public Relations
Josh Schaefer’s role with the Kings extends beyond the broadcast booth into media engagement and digital presence. His work in these areas has helped strengthen the connection between the team and its fanbase through various communication channels.
Engagement with the Press
As a broadcaster with the LA Kings, Schaefer has quickly established himself as an accessible media personality. His background calling games for the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ AHL affiliate, prepared him well for the NHL spotlight.
Schaefer regularly participates in press conferences and media availabilities, providing insightful analysis that draws from his extensive knowledge of the team. Beat reporters have noted his willingness to engage with difficult questions.
The Kings’ media department has featured Schaefer in several behind-the-scenes content pieces, showcasing his preparation process before broadcasts. These glimpses have resonated well with fans seeking deeper connections to the broadcast team.
His articulate communication style and hockey knowledge have made him a requested guest on local sports radio programs throughout Southern California.
Social Media Presence
Schaefer maintains an active presence on X (formerly Twitter) where he shares team updates, personal insights, and interacts with Kings fans. His engagement creates a direct line between the broadcast booth and the fanbase.
In April 2024, Schaefer announced his excitement about joining the Kings broadcast team for the 2024-25 season, generating significant engagement from followers. This announcement highlighted his transition from occasional appearances to a permanent role.
His content strategy includes:
- Game day previews and analysis
- Behind-the-scenes photos from arenas
- Interactive Q&A sessions with fans
- Highlights from recent broadcasts
Schaefer’s social media approach balances professional insights with personal touches, making him relatable while maintaining journalistic credibility. His follower count has grown steadily since his full-time appointment, reflecting positive fan reception.
Community and Fan Engagement
Josh Schaefer has quickly established himself as a key voice connecting the Los Angeles Kings organization with its passionate fanbase. His broadcasting work extends beyond game calls to include various community initiatives that strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters.
All-In Membership Programs
The Kings’ All-In Membership program has benefited significantly from Schaefer’s involvement since he joined the broadcast team. As a regular presence on Kings Central content, Schaefer helps deliver exclusive insights to members through specialized media access.
Members particularly enjoy his in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes segments that offer a closer look at team dynamics. Schaefer’s contributions to member events include hosting Q&A sessions where his broadcasting expertise shines.
His work extends to the Ontario Reign connection as well. Schaefer’s experience calling games for both teams makes him uniquely positioned to discuss player development with members interested in the Kings’ pipeline.
When filling in for veteran broadcaster Nick Nickson during a November road trip, Schaefer maintained the high-quality broadcast experience All-In Members have come to expect, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to fan engagement.
Partnerships and Sponsorships
Josh Schaefer’s role with the Los Angeles Kings extends beyond broadcasting to include several key commercial partnerships. These relationships help enhance both the team’s brand presence and Schaefer’s visibility within the Southern California market.
Collaborations with Sponsors
The LA Kings broadcaster has developed a notable relationship with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, one of the team’s premier sponsors. This partnership became evident during Schaefer’s broadcasts, where he seamlessly integrates mentions of the Casino at Yaamava’ Resort during appropriate segments.
Schaefer’s professional delivery has made him a valuable asset for the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, who own Yaamava’. During the 2024-25 season, he participated in several promotional events at the resort, connecting fans with the Kings brand in unique settings.
The partnership includes:
| Sponsor | Type | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Yaamava’ Resort & Casino | Primary | In-broadcast mentions, Promotional events |
| San Manuel | Parent Company | Community outreach programs |
These sponsorships have proven beneficial for both parties. Schaefer brings authenticity to sponsored content, maintaining his credibility while delivering value to partners.
His ability to balance promotional responsibilities with journalistic integrity has made him particularly effective in these commercial relationships.
Professional Network and Colleagues
Josh Schaefer has built an impressive network within the hockey broadcasting community through his work with the LA Kings and Ontario Reign. His professional relationships span from team staff to fellow broadcasters, creating a foundation for his successful career.
Relationships with Team Staff
Josh Schaefer has developed strong connections with the LA Kings organization since joining their broadcasting team. As the primary play-by-play voice of the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the LA Kings, Schaefer works closely with their coaching staff and management.
His collaborative relationship with Jesse Cohen, a content creator for the Kings, has resulted in engaging podcast content and broadcast coverage. Their chemistry is evident during broadcasts and special features.
Schaefer’s rapport with Kenji Hall, part of the Kings’ media team, has strengthened the organization’s audio content strategy. Their partnership has helped expand the team’s digital presence across multiple platforms.
When Nick Nickson needed time off, the Kings’ management showed their confidence in Schaefer by appointing him as lead Play-by-Play for important road games against Nashville and Minnesota.
His NHL broadcasting debut on October 9, 2021 for the LA Kings iHeart Audio Network demonstrated the organization’s trust in his abilities and the strong relationships he’s built within the team structure.
Future Prospects
Josh Schaefer’s broadcasting career with the LA Kings has shown impressive development. His work as a Kings broadcaster has positioned him well for potential growth in hockey media.
Potential Career Development
Schaefer’s trajectory in sports broadcasting looks promising. He established himself as a Kings broadcaster, bringing a polished delivery and insightful hockey analysis that resonates with fans.
His Cronkite School education provides a solid foundation. Meanwhile, his ability to dissect complex plays shows in his commentary work. Schaefer has demonstrated particular skill covering prospect development, as seen in his reporting on players like Francesco Pinelli, whom he described as a “crafty, two-way center” in Kings Insider coverage.
Industry patterns suggest three potential paths for Schaefer:
- Network expansion: Moving to national NHL broadcasts
- Multi-platform growth: Developing podcast/digital content presence
- Executive track: Transitioning to production or management roles
His experience covering prospect development gives him specialized knowledge that could become a valuable niche. Sports media executives typically value broadcasters who can build audience connection while maintaining analytical credibility—qualities Schaefer demonstrates consistently.
