The Islanders’ first big loss of the offseason came not on the ice but from the broadcast booth. Iconic television play-by-play announcer Howie Rose said he will not be back for the 2016-17 season.
Rose told MSG Networks officials of his decision Wednesday, according to a report by Newsday. Rose, who also does radio play-by-play for the Mets, reportedly wanted to reduce his workload.
Rose’s relationship with MSG began in 1985 as a substitute radio announcer for Rangers games before he took over as the full-time radio announcer for the team in 1989. Rose became lead television play-by-play announcer for the Islanders in 1995.