Tom Grace Accepts New Opportunity In Boston
September 11, 2007 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins News Release
WILKES-BARRE, PA - Tom Grace, who has entertained hockey fans in Northeast Pennsylvania as the 'Voice of the Penguins' for the past eight seasons, will be leaving the broadcast booth on October 6. Grace recently accepted a position as an account director for one of the top media and digital marketing companies in the United States.
"While I am thrilled about my new opportunity and very excited about moving back to my family and friends in Boston, it was a very difficult decision to make - because I loved my time here in Northeastern Pennsylvania," Grace said. "I want to thank Jeff Barrett and the entire Penguins organization for giving me this wonderful opportunity eight years ago. Broadcasting Penguins hockey these past eight seasons has given me experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
"I want to thank everybody who has supported the team so passionately, and also thank the entire community, which has treated me so well and listened so faithfully to the broadcasts. I will never forget this awesome experience and will always be grateful to everybody who made me feel so welcome and appreciated here."
Grace has called more than 700 regular season and playoff contests for the Penguins since joining the organization during its inaugural 1999-2000 campaign. His contributions to broadcasting were recognized in each of the team's first three seasons (1999-2002), as he won or was directly affiliated with the winners of the AHL's James H. Ellery Memorial Award for outstanding media coverage in television and radio.
A popular figure in the community, Grace has also served as host of the weekly 'Penguins Report Radio Show', and has made hundreds of appearances at schools, social functions and official events for the club.
"During the past eight seasons, Tom has come to represent Penguins hockey as much as any player or coach," said team CEO Jeff Barrett. "Not only has he become a friend to fans listening on the radio, but his impact in the community can't be overlooked. Tom has tirelessly served as the face of the franchise in the area since day one. His presence, both in the broadcast booth and out of it, will be greatly missed."
Prior to joining the Penguins, Grace served a three-year tenure as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Hampton Roads Admirals of the ECHL. During that stint with the club, he handled all radio and television play-by-play, hosted weekly radio and television shows, and coordinated all aspects of the Admirals' media and communications department.
Tom's other pro hockey experience includes part-time work as the color analyst for the Worcester IceCats in 1995-1996, and he was a member of the NHL Entry Draft Staff, serving as the floor coordinator for the event, from 1996-1999. In 1996 he was the team liaison for the victorious Eastern Conference NHL All-Star Team at the Fleet Center in Boston, MA .
Additionally, Grace was also 'called up' for two games with the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League, and has called the action during Pittsburgh Penguins preseason games on numerous occasions.
Grace first jumped behind the hockey mic in 1982, when he began a four-year stay as student play-by-play announcer for the Boston College Eagles. After graduating from BC in 1986 with a double major in communications and economics, he was hired as the on-air television reporter for the Boston College Football program "Eagles Preview," airing on ABC affiliate WCVB. He also served as the color analyst for three years on the BC Hockey Radio Network.
Filling Grace's spot on an interim basis will be Scott Stuccio, who handled color commentary on numerous radio broadcasts for the Penguins last season and joined the organization on a full-time basis earlier this summer, when he accepted the position of Client Services and Community Relations Manager.
Grace and Stuccio will work together during the Penguins' preseason broadcasts, as well as during the team's first two regular season contests on October 3 and 6.
The Penguins open their ninth regular season on Wednesday, October 3 against the Hershey Bears at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza. Season ticket packages, mini-plans and flex-books for the 2007-2008 season are on sale now, and available by contacting the Penguins' ticketing office at 570-208-7367.
• Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board...
American Hockey League Stories from September 11, 2007
- Houston Aeros rejoin B2 to bring live game coverage - Houston Aeros
- Flames introduce "Five-Game Try-Out Ticket Package" - Abbotsford Heat
- Walton, Wired and Unwired makes its debut on HersheyBears.com - Hershey Bears
- First Admirals/Weight Watchers President's Club Meeting Tomorrow - Milwaukee Admirals
- Marlies Sign G Jeff Jakaitis - Toronto Marlies
- Regular Season Tickets On Sale This Saturday At 10:00am - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Tom Grace Accepts New Opportunity In Boston - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
