After 21 years of calling New York Islanders games on television for MSG Networks, Howie Rose will not return for the 2016-17 campaign.
According to Newsday, Rose, also the radio play-by-play announcer of the New York Mets, told MSG Networks of his decision on Wednesday. The decision was made, as per the report, to reduce his workload.
“It’s the textbook definition of mixed emotions. That’s exactly what it is. I don’t know that I’ve ever been more conflicted about a decision I have had to make in my life. But I’m confident I made really the only one I could make at this point in time in my career and life,” he told Newsday.
His voice has become synonymous with big Islanders moments, which culminated in his final game call of John Tavares’ overtime, series clinching goal at Barclays Center in Game 6 of the team’s first round Stanley Cup series against the Florida Panthers.