Hawks clear a TV spot for Foley's possible return

If the worst-kept secret surrounding the Blackhawks is their interest in signing defenseman Brian Campbell should he not return to the San Jose Sharks and become a free agent July 1, next in line is their intention of bringing Pat Foley back to the broadcast booth.

Foley's return to the club's television duties after a two-year absence was all but finalized Tuesday when the Hawks confirmed that Dan Kelly has been relieved of his duties as the team's TV play-by-play man.

According to a source, Foley's return will be announced as soon as the Chicago Wolves are done with their playoff run. Foley has been calling Wolves games since the Hawks let him go after he spent 25 seasons as their voice on radio and TV broadcasts.

The Wolves play in Rockford tonight in Game 4 of their American Hockey League Calder Cup series.

Foley, the most popular Hawks broadcaster since the days of Lloyd Petit, could not be reached for comment.

Foley's return has been speculated ever since the Hawks announced that all their games would be televised next season for the first time in club history, including 20 on Channel 9.

Kelly worked the last two seasons with analyst Eddie Olczyk, who is expected to return. Kelly previously had worked games for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the St. Louis Blues.

The radio team of play-by-play man John Wiedeman and analyst Troy Murray is expected to stay together with the games switching to WGN 720-AM.