Andy Zilch Named Voice of the Comets

by Mark Caswell, Jr.

Utica Comets President Robert Esche announced today that Andy Zilch has been named the play-by-play broadcaster for the team's fourth season in the American Hockey League.

"We are extremely excited to have Andy on board as the voice of the Utica Comets," said Esche. “His energy and enthusiasm as well as his experience in the American Hockey League will be a great addition to our staff. He is a talented broadcaster, and we look forward to the high-caliber listening experience he will bring to our fans.”

Zilch joins the Comets after spending the previous two seasons in the AHL as the Springfield Falcons. Following his first year as the Manager of Broadcasting, he was promoted to run the team’s communications department where he oversaw all community relations, staying consistently active with local schools and youth hockey. In addition, he ran the public relations, website content and was responsible for corporate and ticket sales.

“I am thrilled to be joining such a prestigious organization,” Zilch commented. “The fans in Utica are notorious for filling the Aud and creating a wonderful home ice advantage. Along with the season opener, I am anxiously waiting October 26th to join the atmosphere of Utica Comets hockey.”

Prior to his AHL career, Zilch spent two seasons with the Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL. Zilch served as the voice of the team, oversaw media relations and served as an account executive. The St. Louis, Missouri native generated several corporate partnerships and was strongly involved in the community. The majority of his donated time was spent assisting the local children's hockey program.

Before his time with the Road Warriors, Zilch served two years in the National Hockey League as a broadcast intern with the St. Louis Blues. He also spent time and a broadcast intern with the National Football League's St. Louis Rams on the St. Louis Rams Radio Network for two seasons.

A 2009 graduate of Lindenwood University, Zilch entered broadcasting as the play-by-play broadcaster for the men's hockey team on KCLC, the student radio station. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis on radio and T.V.

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