Matt Shepard and Larry Murphy in St. Louis. (Photo by Bill Roose/Detroit Red Wings)

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A different kind of pro will make his Red Wings’ debut this season when the team drops the puck tonight against the Blues at Scottrade Center.

Matt Shepard, the versatile radio and television broadcaster – not to mention the pride of North Farmington High School – will handle TV play-by-play tonight, filling in for Ken Daniels, who is home in Toronto for his father’s funeral.

For Shepard, a huge hockey fan, who has broadcast Detroit Lions football, University of Michigan basketball and several CCHA games over the years, broadcasting the Wings’ game, even if it’s in a pinch-hitting role, is a dream come true. 

“I’m really excited for my first NHL game ever,” Shepard said. “It was interesting, I got a text from my sister today, they’re big hockey fans in my family, and my sister was like, ‘We’ll be watching.’ Usually, my family will watch stuff that I do, but they won’t be sending me stuff.

“They’re really excited about it because they love Red Wings’ hockey and the tradition.”

Shepard will be working with Hall of Famer Larry Murphy.