“I am extremely excited to join the Pirates organization and tackle the challenges this new position presents at this point in my career,” Jeanneret said. “Portland has proven to be a first-class organization, with a great AHL history and heritage, and I hope to help continue that tradition, both as a member of the front office staff and as the play-by-play announcer.”

Jeanneret, 41, and a graduate of Niagara College, comes to the Pirates from the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League where he served as the Director of Media Relations and play-by-play announcer for twelve seasons. While with the Otters, the Niagara Falls, Ontario native broadcast more than 800 regular season and playoff games on radio and television. In addition to his play-by-play responsibilities, Jeanneret also managed all team communications, advertising and marketing initiatives.

“Mark Jeanneret’s decision to join our staff as our Director, Communications & Team Services and become the play-by-play voice of the Portland Pirates is an unexpected, and very exciting, opportunity for our business which furthers our ties to Sabres Hockey and its rich and storied history, recognizing the legendary career of Mark’s dad, Rick Jeanneret, the play-by-play voice of the Sabres since 1971,” said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO, Brian Petrovek. “Mark brings over a decade of communications and play-by-play experience with the OHL to our company, our hockey team and to our community, and we’d bet the farm that he already bleeds Sabres blue and gold! Mark’s accomplishments, talent and bright future separated him from the dozens of quality applicants we had to choose from. We are thrilled to welcome Mark, his wife, Suzanne and daughter Mattie to our family and to Portland.”

Prior to joining the Otters, Jeanneret was the radio host and producer for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres handling pre-game, intermissions and post-game on all radio broadcasts.

To apply for the Erie Otters job, visit the STAA Job Forum.