New York Rangers broadcasts on the MSG Network will have a completely new look and sound next season. Not only has Sam Rosen retired as the Rangers longtime play-by-play broadcaster, but his partner for the past 19 seasons is also stepping away from the TV booth.
Joe Micheletti announced his retirement on Thursday. Unlike Rosen, who made his announcement last summer and had a full season to say goodbye to his fans throughout the NHL, Micheletti quietly stepped aside with far less fanfare once the season ended.
"From pond hockey in Minnesota to the bright lights of Broadway, my hockey journey has been a magical ride," Micheletti said in a statement . "My wife Kathy and I have ben thinking about this for a few years, and we decided that now is the right time to retire, and we look forward to spending more time with our family."
The 70-year-old didn't let on that this might be his last season with the Rangers . Instead, he stood to the side and let Rosen bask in the adoration from fans in every city the Rangers visited this season. Rosen retired after 40 years behind the mic for the Rangers, and had his own special retirement night at Madison Square Garden late this season.
The final broadcast for the pair was dubbed "Salute to Sam," with highlights of Rosen's career shared throughout the broadcast. The Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning that night and Rosen headed out the door and into the sunset.
If Rosen knew that Micheletti was joining him, he never let on.
It was already announced that Kenny Albert will replace Rosen as the Rangers play-by-play voice on television, sliding over from the radio booth. It's not known who will replace Micheletti. Dave Maloney is the longtime radio analyst and former Rangers captain. Ryan Callahan , Brian Boyle , Mike Rupp , Henrik Lundqviost, Martin Biron, Anson Carter and Steve Valiquette are former Rangers players currently working as broadcasters, either with MSG Network or elsewhere.
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(Photo Courtesy of MSG Networks)
Micheletti worked as an analyst on his first NHL broadcast in 1985 for the St. Louis Blues , for whom he played three seasons as a defenseman. Two years later, he was hired as an assistant coach with the Blues, and spent four seasons in that role before returning to the booth.
Over the years, Micheletti was an TV analyst for the Minnesota North Stars and New York Islanders before replacing John Davidson alongside Rosen with the Rangers. He also worked on nationally televised broadcasts, covering 25 Stanley Cup Finals, 15 NHL All-Star Games, and five Winter Olympics.
"This career has been so special because of the amazing people that I've worked with at every stop along the way," Micheletti said. "Thank you to my remarkable family at MSG Networks, to the Rangers organization, and to all the teams that allowed me to do what I love for 40 years."
