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Nashville Predators: Mason in, Grimson out on Fox Sports Tennessee

By Steve Cook

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 10: Nashville Predators announcer Pete Weber acknowledges fans applause as he is recognized for his 2000th NHL game during a break in action against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena on January 10, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 10: Nashville Predators announcer Pete Weber acknowledges fans applause as he is recognized for his 2000th NHL game during a break in action against the Vancouver Canucks at Bridgestone Arena on January 10, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Change is part of life. Stu Grimson is leaving Fox Sports Tennessee after three seasons, and will be replaced on-air by Chris Mason.

The Nashville Predators were long known for their stability off the ice. Barry Trotz was the head coach, David Poile was general manager, and Pete Weber & Terry Crisp were the television announcers. No matter what happened on the ice, you’d hear the same voices calling it.

Weber & Crisp served fifteen seasons as Fox Sports Tennessee’s Predators announce team. They played a large role in the education of Nashville’s fan base. The three seasons since Crisp’s stepping back to a studio role have seen lots of change on Fox Sports Tennessee. Weber worked with Stu Grimson for a season before moving to the radio side. Willy Daunic took Weber’s place on TV in 2015-16. After years of listening to Pete & Terry, Nashville Predators fans had to get used to new voices.

Now after three seasons on TV, Grimson steps aside. The Tennessean reports that Chris Mason will replace Grimson on television for the 2017-18 season.

Them changes

Mason was part of FS Tennessee’s Stanley Cup Playoff coverage last season & has spent the last two seasons on select Predators radio telecasts with Weber. He spent most of his NHL career in the Predators organization, often as the backup goalie. He ranks fourth all-time in games started & wins for the Predators.

The radio side is also in for some changes. Hal Gill will replace Mason & Brent Peterson as Weber’s full-time partner. Gill played parts of two seasons in Nashville towards the end of his sixteen-year career. He had previously served as the manager of player development for the Florida Panthers. He started appearing on radio broadcasts in March and did well enough to get the full-time spot.

Sports fans become attached to the people calling the games of their favorite teams. Vin Scully was the Los Angeles Dodgers to most people. Longtime Cincinnati Reds fans love Marty Brennaman as much as they love the players. Weber & Crisp had a similar place in the hearts & minds of Predators fans. FS Tennessee has had a tough time replacing them.

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Hopefully Mason will become an institution the same way Weber & Crisp were.

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