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OHL Erie Otters

Pennsylvania's Alex Randall to Become First Black Play-By-Play Voice in OHL, CHL History

December 14, 2021 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - On January 17, the Erie Otters will host their very first Martin Luther King Jr. Day Game. For Pennsylvania-native and aspiring hockey broadcaster Alex Randall, the day will be a memorable one as well - announcing his first Ontario Hockey League game, and becoming a trailblazer as the league's first Black Play-by-Play voice.

A Junior at the University of Pittsburgh and Sports Director of WPTS Radio 92.1, Randall grew up listening to Pittsburgh's most memorable broadcasting legends like Mike Lange and other hockey legends like Mike 'Doc' Emrick, with dreams of calling the big moments like them someday. Being a radio play-by-play voice for Pitt Panthers' Football and Men's/Women's College Basketball, Randall has continued to climb the ladder closer to that dream.

"It's an honor and a privilege to call this game. I've wanted to call hockey for most of my life, but never anticipated it happening so early in my life," said Randall. "Hopefully I can pay it forward and introduce some new fans to the world of hockey."

On November 29, the Black Play-by-Play Fund - a non-profit organization serving to provide Scholarships and Grants for up-and-coming Black broadcasters - named Alex Randall one of its four recipients of their second-annual College Scholarships. Voice of the Otters Shawn Bednard has served in the past as a volunteer with the Fund. Randall will have the call of the Otters' inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day Game on "OHL Live" on CHL TV, allowing for fans to watch and listen to the call. In putting the headset on, Randall will become the first Black Play-by-Play Voice in the 40+ year history of the Canadian Hockey League.

"The significance of this game falling on MLK Day is not lost on me in the slightest. I am humbled beyond words to be described as a trailblazer in the hockey broadcasting world. Martin Luther King Jr. was a trailblazer in every sense of the word, ultimately laying down his life for his Dream of racial equality. I hope I can honor his legacy today and beyond by being the best broadcaster I can be," said Randall "I want to be more than a first, I want to be one of the greats. I also want to use my platform to spread joy, love, and understanding. Because at the end of the day, hockey, just like life, is for everyone."

Now with the opportunity to call his first Major Junior hockey game, he hopes to etch his name among the greats in hockey broadcasting - and follow in the footsteps of Black Play-by-Play voices in the NHL like Everett Fitzhugh (Seattle Kraken) and fellow Black Play-by-Play Fund Scholarship winner Jason Ross Jr. (Chicago Blackhawks).

"With the inaugural hosting of the MLK Day Game, we knew we had the opportunity to continue to use our organization's platform for good, and to push the envelope for inclusivity and progressiveness in hockey. Volunteering with the Black Play-by-Play Fund in the past, and their success in elevating Black voices, I wanted to be able to allow a new voice in the world of hockey an opportunity - especially on a day celebrating a Black trailblazer," said Bednard "In talking with Alex, I knew immediately that he was going to make the most of this experience, and create a truly memorable broadcast. He's a passionate, hungry, and talented up-and-coming broadcaster, and I'm thrilled to hear his call of our game on January 17."

Randall will be the second person to don the play-by-play headset from Pittsburgh, with former longtime Otters' voice Aaron Cooney hailing from the Steel City. Fans can listen to Randall's historic call on January 17 at 2 P.M. on CHL TV.

To learn more on the work of the Black Play-by-Play Fund, or to donate to their Scholarship Fund, head to BlackPxPFund.com. The Black Play-by-Play Fund is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, with all donations being tax-deductible.

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