After 44 seasons, over 4,300 professional games, the familiar voice of the LA Kings, Nick Nickson announced that the 2024-25 season will be his final year behind the mic. So, while no formal successor has been officially announced yet, Josh Schaefer seems like the ideal candidate to assume the play-by-play role full time. This would be a perfect situation for both the Kings organization and its fan base. Schaefer, who is already part of the broadcasting team, has increasingly taken on play-by-play duties during Nickson’s final season, appearing in both Kings and their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign broadcasts.
A West Hills native, being named the Kings' lead announcer could very well be a dream come true for Schaefer. This connection should make Kings fans happy with Schaefer being a local and knowing the history of Los Angeles. He is also familiar to viewers as a guest announcer, and his on-air chemistry with seasoned analyst Jim Fox is notable for anyone who has watched those games. Schaefer is expected to continue contributing across both television and radio broadcasts in the new post-Nickson era.
Josh Schaefer brings a fresh and dynamic style to the Los Angeles Kings
Behind the mic, Josh Schaefer blends energetic storytelling with sharp analysis. He is a young guy and will bring a fresh and dynamic style to the Kings. If you are unable to attend the games in person, Schaefer can recreate the experience for you during his broadcasts.
He is not just knowledgeable and enjoyable to watch, but Schaefer does have the credentials to boot. He has been the play-by-play announcer for the Ontario Reign since 2021 and has stepped in on Kings games on occasion.
So, as the Kings prepare themselves for training camp in a few months, Josh Schaefer should be clearing his throat, conducting vocal exercises, and anticipating a formal announcement from Los Angeles, naming him the official play-by-play announcer for the Kings' 2025-26 season.