Former player Paul Bissonnette joins Coyotes as color analyst on 98.7 FM
Sep 6, 2017, 12:17 PM | Updated: 2:30 pm
Phoenix Coyotes' Paul Bissonnette passes the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The Avalanche defeated the Coyotes 4-3 in overtime. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Former Coyotes forward Paul Bissonnette will join the team’s radio broadcasts as color analyst on 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station for the 2017-18 season, the team announced Wednesday. ArizonaSports.com’s Craig Morgan first reported the news from the NHL Draft in June.
Confirming a poorly kept secret: @BizNasty2point0 joins Heeter in Coyotes radio booth next season. Analysis & so much entertainment awaits.
— Craig Morgan (@craigsmorgan) June 24, 2017
Bissonnette, who played for the Phoenix Coyotes from 2009-14, joins play-by-play announcer Bob Heethuis in the booth and will also serve as a team ambassador.
“The Coyotes picked me up off waivers in 2009 and provided me an opportunity to keep playing in the NHL,” Bissonnette said in a statement. “I played five seasons in the Valley and it’s always felt like home to me. The organization has always been first class and the Phoenix media treated me very well as a player. I love the community and the people that I’ve gotten to know here.
“I’m very grateful to Mr. Barroway and Mr. Patterson for the opportunity and I look forward to beginning the next chapter in my life with the Coyotes. We have a great young team and a very bright future ahead. This is an ideal role for me and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
Along with his color analyst duties, Bissonnette will be a regular guest on 98.7 FM’s Bickley and Marotta show every Wednesday during the Coyotes season.
Additionally, he will appear on pre- and post-game shows on FOX Sports Arizona and produce content for the team’s official website and social media accounts.
The team will honor the former player on Saturday, Nov. 25, which is also Star Wars Night at Gila River Arena. The first 10,000 fans to arrive will receive a Bissonnette “Obiz-Wan Kenobi” bobblehead courtesy of Gila River Hotels and Casinos.
“We are very pleased to have Paul re-join the Coyotes organization,” said Coyotes’ President and CEO Steve Patterson in a release. “Paul was an incredibly popular player when he played for the Coyotes so I’m confident that our fans will be thrilled to have him back. He will be a great addition to our broadcast team and we look forward to his presence on our website and social media platforms. Paul will also make a positive impact in the community.”
Bissonnette recorded seven goals and 15 assists in 187 career games with the Coyotes.
