John Leahy named new radio voice of UMass Lowell

Merrimack play-by-play voice John Leahy has accepted a new role at UMass Lowell.

Leahy has been the voice of Merrimack hockey broadcasts since 2005, when Merrimack aired its games on radio. In recent years, after Hockey East signed a deal with ESPN almost three years ago, the role evolved into television play-by-play for ESPN+.

Leahy has been the voice of Merrimack men’s and women’s hockey on ESPN+, working alongside Mike Machnik.

At Lowell, Leahy replaces longtime voice Bob Ellis on radio. Ellis retired this past season after his 40th season behind the mic.

"I'm thrilled to welcome John Leahy to our team as the next voice of River Hawk hockey," said Lowell AD Ashley Robbins. "Skill, veteran experience, and thorough knowledge of UMass Lowell hockey and Hockey East were all of vital importance to us in finding our new broadcaster and I feel as though John will bring the perfect combination of those things to our community."

On his podcast this week, Leahy spoke about the move, including memories of his time behind the mic for the Warriors.