Ben Birnell

A former Utica Comets broadcaster has earned a call up to the National Hockey League.

Alex Faust, who served as the Comets' radio broadcaster while filling in for then-announcer Brendan Burke during parts of the team's first three seasons, was named the Los Angles Kings' television play-by-play announcer Thursday.

Faust is the second broadcaster with ties to the Comets to reach the NHL. Burke was the main Comets' broadcaster for the first three seasons until last August when he took the role as MSG Network's television play-by-play role for the New York Islanders. The current Comets broadcaster is Andy Zilch, who called each game during the 2016-17 season.

Faust called various Comets' games from 2013 to 2015, including the team's first game. Faust also served as a reporter for 2015 American Hockey League's All-Star Game in Utica, and did play-by-play for a few games during the team's run to the Calder Cup finals in 2015. Faust has also worked as hockey broadcaster for games on NBCSN, NESN and Westwood One Radio.

The 28-year-old New York City native takes over for Bob Miller, who retired in April after calling Kings games for more than 40 years. The team agreed to a multi-year contract with Faust, according to a news release.

"It is an incredible honor to join the LA Kings as their next play-by-play broadcaster," Faust said in the release. "The Kings have set a standard for excellence on and off the ice and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve fans in this role. I can't wait to work with Jim Fox and the entire FOX Sports West and Kings broadcast crew on the whole.

"With all that in mind, it is a true privilege to be following a legend like Bob Miller. Bob is still very much the 'Voice of the Kings,' and his legacy goes well beyond the booth: He built a rapport with Kings fans not only on-the-air but away from the rink, helping grow the sport of hockey in Los Angeles through active involvement in the community. My goal is to bring the same class and professionalism to work each day, especially as I get to know Kings fans over the coming weeks, months and years."

Read more from the original source:

Former Comets broadcaster Faust lands Kings gig - Utica Observer Dispatch