Darren Pang spent 14 seasons as a Blues color and rinkside commentator.
Phillip Miller
For the first time in almost a decade and a half, Blues fans will no longer be graced with “Holy Jumpin’!” on their local broadcasts. After the better part of 14 years with the St. Louis Blues local broadcast group, Darren Pang will move on to his NHL and broadcasting roots to join the Chicago Blackhawks broadcasting squad.
Pang, 59, first covered Blackhawks games on local radio in the 1990s, after three seasons of playing in a Hawks sweater from 1987-89. Pang’s larger-than-life grin and energetic commentary could also be seen and heard on ESPN, TSN, TNT, ABC, and even CBS during the 1998 Winter Olympics.
“It’s an honor to return to Chicago and join the broadcast booth at such an exciting time for this franchise,” Pang said. “Coming back to where my NHL playing and broadcasting career started means a lot to me and my family and I’m thankful to the Blackhawks for this opportunity.”
St. Louis Blues fans were no doubt heartbroken with the loss of one of the top color commentators in the sport after a lifetime of Blues games and a Stanley Cup (this writer included). “Panger” has been a staple in the Blues community, and some fans are probably hurt losing him just as much as any core player getting traded.
I have my fair share of Darren Pang quotes, memories, and moments, as I’m sure many of you reading this article do. Pang was never one to shy away from the emotion of the game, whether it was standing up for the little guy or the goaltender (of which he was proudly both), calling out a bad penalty call, or just getting into his on (and off) ice antics. From his trademark “Holy Jumpin’!”, to his alter-ego “Darryl Pang”, to his close friendships with the likes of Bernie Federko, Kelly Chase, and even Jon Hamm; the St. Louis Blues community loses more than just a broadcaster in Panger: they’re saying goodbye to a family member.
“[My decision] was, anxiety-filled,” Pang told The Athletic. “I don’t want to hurt anybody. I mean, you can say it’s humbling or an honor (to see the emotional response of fans), but it’s more than that. It’s what we’re supposed to do in our business, make a good impression. I hope that they understand.”
While we could dive into the details of Pang joining Chicago, or how contract frustrations with the struggling Bally Sports seemed to influence his decision, I’d like to make this nothing more than an appreciation article and heartfelt “until next time” to St. Louis’ friend Darren Pang. Below you can find a handful of links to some of our favorite moments of him as a Blues broadcaster from our crew with STLSportsCentral.
From all of us here at stlsportscentral.com, we’d like to thank Darren Pang and his wife and family for their time and commitment to the St. Louis Blues and the city. We will all miss you dearly, and jovially welcome you back when the Blues host the Hawks with open arms. Thanks for everything, Panger.
Pang reacting to a baby dressed just like him:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhRGAHU6uNw&ab_channel=BallySportsMidwest
The Introduction of Pang’s “eccentric” cousin, Darryl Pang:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK0dtT0bfCQ&ab_channel=BallySportsMidwest
Jon Hamm’s magical visit vs. the Ducks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtSHFKGdK6s&ab_channel=St.LouisBlues
Pang Climbing the Bench for an interview:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Z2RyG8638nQ
Jake Allen makes the Save of the Year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAVPBd1fVSU&ab_channel=St.LouisBlues
“Holy Jumpin’, what a Save!”