Jason Ruff - Storytelling Through Sports

Known for his colorful bow ties and enthusiastic calls, Jason Ruff is a eight year veteran behind the microphone calling hockey games from Texas to Illinois and all points in between.

The Chicago-area native is an award-winning play-by-play broadcaster and sports talk show host. Before coming to Peoria, Ruff spent three seasons as the voice of the Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League. He came to the SPHL and the Peoria Rivermen in the fall of 2021 and took the reigns of Peoria’s communications department including; game broadcasting, public relations, video, and social media content. Jason has called both of Peoria's President's Cup championships in 2022 and in 2024.

Ruff is a graduate of Michigan State University where he covered Spartan hockey for five seasons as a writer, producer and show host for Impact Sports 88.9 FM “Behind the Mask” and as a play-by-play broadcaster and commentator for the Big Ten Network – Student U. While in college, Ruff also worked as a broadcast intern with the United States Hockey League’s Muskegon Lumberjacks.

When he is not in the booth or at the rink, he enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. An avid history buff, Jason also enjoys visiting and learning about historical landmarks, especially those involving hockey, sports and American history.