Hanneman moves from play-by-play to studio host

Tom Hanneman, who has worked on Timberwolves broadcasts in a number of roles over the past 23 years -- the last nine doing TV play-by-play  -- has joined Fox Sports North full-time as main studio host for the network's Timberwolves, Twins, Wild and Gophers hockey broadcasts. 

Hanneman has been a part of the local media scene for 39 years; before joining the Timberwolves he worked for 16 years as a producer, reporter and anchor at WCCO-TV.

Hanneman, who will become FSNorth's main studio host, will be taking over for Anthony LaPanta, who was recently named the TV play-by-play voice for the Minnesota Wild. Hanneman brings a wealth of experience. He has won five regional Emmy awards and done national work for NBA Radio. More recently he hosted the Jack Jablonski telethon as part of Hockey Day in Minnesota.

"I'm very excited about this opportunity and continuing the long-term relationship I've built with Fox Sports North," Hanneman said in a FSNorth release. "There are many great things ahead. I truly look forward to connecting with Timberwolves fans and all Minnesota sports fans at a new level."

The move means FSNorth now has two positions to fill. LaPanta's move to the Wild created an opening for a TV play-by-play voice for Gophers hockey, and a new Timberwolves play-by-play announced will also have to be named.