NESN has named Jamie Erdahl as its new rink-side reporter for Bruins telecasts in the 2013-14 season.
She replaces Naoko Funayama, whose contract at NESN recently expired. The network announced in June that the respected Funayama, who had held the position since 2008, would not return.
Erdahl, a Minnesota native who joined NESN last November, is a fine choice as Funayama's successor. She has excelled as a fill-in sideline reporter on Red Sox telecasts this season, often showing a quick sense of humor during live in-game segments.
She will also continue in her role as an anchor/reporter on NESN Sports Today, as well as her Red Sox fill-in duties.
Other announcements from NESN regarding its Bruins coverage in the upcoming season (the network will broadcast 71 regular-season games):
- Analyst Billy Jaffe will have an expanded role, joining studio host Dale Arnold on pregame, intermission, and postgame programming for at least 50 games.
- Play-by-play voice Jack Edwards and color analyst Andy Brickley will return for their ninth year together.
- Gord Kluzak and Barry Pederson will continue to be part of NESN's pregame, intermission, and postgame coverage.
- Edwards, Brickley and Erdahl will take a 4-day, 5-city tour of New England beginning next Monday. The tour will be highlighted by free public events in Providence, Hartford, Portland, and Portsmouth, N.H.
