COLUMBUS, Ohio — After more than two decades behind the mic, a voice synonymous with Columbus Blue Jackets hockey is stepping away.

What You Need To Know

Greg Murray is the PA announcer for the Columbus Blue Jackets 

He’s retiring after 25 years 

He’s announced over 1,000 games 

Public address announcer Greg Murray has been the soundtrack to some of the franchise’s biggest moments but now, he’s getting ready to trade in the microphone for a seat in the stands.

For 25 years, that voice has echoed through Nationwide Arena becoming a staple of Blue Jackets hockey.

“I have very mixed feelings. I am so going to miss doing what god made me to do I’ve been blessed to do this for 25 years,” said Murray, public address announcer for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Murray is stepping away from the mic, closing the chapter on a career that started in an unexpected place.

Hockey wasn’t always his plan. Murray got his start in radio but when the Blue Jackets arrived in Columbus, he took a chance, auditioning to become the team’s public address announcer.

“Here we are 25 years later, celebrating 1,000-plus games and just an amazing career that I’ve been able to have,” Murray said.

Over the years, his voice became instantly recognizable, especially one call that fans know by heart.

“We were going on a power play and she said I want you to say, ‘Jackets on the power play.’ Well I said it and it wasn’t really good… next time, do it really big. So the next power play that we went on, what came out of my face is what you hear now and it remained the same all 25 years,” Murray said.

But beyond the signature calls, Murray said it’s the connection with the fans that meant the most.

“I love walking around and seeing fans and seeing the impact that this team has had on this community,” Murray said.

Now, he’s preparing for a new role. Not behind the mic, but in the crowd.

“I’m excited to walk in here in my new uniform wearing a jersey and being a fan it’s going to be really exciting,” Murray said.

Even if the transition might take some getting used to.

“It’s going to be a little bit weird because it’s been me for 25 years, and it’s going to be really fun to hear somebody else and to let somebody else put their stamp on what they do for the blue jackets,” Murray said.

And at the top of his retirement to-do list is sharing the game with family.

“I’m looking forward to coming to a game, sitting in the stand with my boys and my grandson Theo, and being a part of the fifth line instead of just announcing to the fifth line,” Murray said.

A familiar voice is stepping away but leaving behind a legacy that will echo in Columbus for years to come.