Every remarkable NHL career eventually reaches its conclusion. This also applies to sportscasters. The community is now focused on the esteemed Sam Rosen, who is set to conclude his remarkable career after the Rangers’ last performance of the season. Throughout his 40-year career, Rosen emerged as the defining voice of Rangers hockey, providing a plethora of unforgettable calls, notably the team’s triumph in the 1994 Stanley Cup. His iconic phrase, “It’s a power play goal!” became a hallmark of Rangers broadcasts.
Alongside his work in hockey, Rosen has reported on football, boxing, and various other sports for networks such as Fox and MSG. His remarkable skill in broadcasting led to him receiving the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2016, solidifying his status in the Hockey Hall of Fame. As he wraps up his remarkable tenure with the Rangers in 2025, Rosen departs with a profound legacy as one of the most cherished figures in the world of hockey. When questioned about a potential return in the future on the New Ice City podcast, he revealed a rather disheartening truth.
“No, can’t do that. Can’t do that. This has been, it’s the right time, Vince. And I don’t want to, yeah, no, I don’t want to make a quick comeback. Sorry, let’s do another tour next year. Though the accolades are very nice from everyone. But no, it’s the right time. I have my health. I still have a lot of energy. I want to stay active in whatever comes my way after the season ends. But it’s the right time,” stated Rosen.
For four decades, he has served as the voice of the Rangers, recognizing that now is the ideal moment to conclude this remarkable career. Undoubtedly, he will feel the absence of expressing the franchise’s spirit and the thrill of these high-stakes hockey games, yet he looks forward to the next chapter in his journey.
Moreover, reflecting on his retirement, he stated, “As I said on Saturday, and I believe this thoroughly, and I’ve said it to my family, I want to go out with people remembering me at the top of my game and the top of my broadcast. And I believe I still bring that night after night. And that’s what I strive for. And I wanted to finish up that way because I want people to say, boy, right to the end, rather than, oh, it’s poor Sam. He’s lost it. He’s mispronouncing names. He’s misidentifying people. No, I want them to say, right to the end, he was doing a great job. And I have a lot of pride in my work. And I want that to go right to the end.”
Rosen acknowledges his age and understands that it could be a potential obstacle in his career moving forward. Clearly, he aims to avoid disappointing any supporters and is keen to preserve the reputation he has established. He is stepping away with a sense of fulfillment, content with all that he has accomplished up to this point. Having said that, were you aware that the Rangers just bid him a huge farewell?
A tribute to Sam Rosen
The New York Rangers paid tribute to their esteemed play-by-play announcer Sam Rosen during a special pregame ceremony at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2025. And why? The franchise was commemorating his four-decade-long career with the team. At the event, Rosen took to the ice alongside his wife, Jill, and former broadcasting colleagues Phil Esposito and John Davidson.
In addition, the Rangers honored him with a personalized No. 40 jersey, autographed by the whole team, along with a golden microphone, celebrating his years of dedication. Rosen conveyed his appreciation, stating, “I’m the little kid from Brooklyn and here I am being honored by you and by Madison Square Garden and by the New York Rangers. I have truly lived the dream.”
The ceremony featured video tributes from players, coaches, and fellow broadcasters, showcasing Rosen’s significant influence on both the organization and the sport. And the icing on the cake? The Rangers clinched a 5-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks that day, adding to the significance of the celebration.
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