After legendary New York Rangers play-by-play voice Sam Rosen announced his plans to retire following the 2024-25 NHL season, the franchise honored him before the season opener. They went all out to celebrate him again on Saturday, as Rosen, who has been part of the Rangers broadcast crew since 1982 and succeeded Jim Gordon as the team’s lead TV play-by-play voice before the 1984-85 season, received a heartfelt tribute at Madison Square Garden.
The 77-year-old broadcaster walked onto the ice during a pre-game ceremony, greeted by roaring applause and appreciation from fans. Rosen’s illustrious career spans over 40 years, during which he has called countless highlights, including the team’s 1994 Stanley Cup victory.
The Garden Faithful salutes Sam Rosen and he thanks #NYR fans in return –
“For every person that has stopped me and asked for a selfie or my autograph – thank you. You are my inspiration to be the best I could be.”@NYRangers | #ASaluteToSam pic.twitter.com/pgBz9AChqN
— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) March 22, 2025
Rosen was accompanied by his wife, Jill, and broadcast partners Phil Esposito, John Davidson, and Joe Micheletti. As a memento of his time with the franchise, he received a home Rangers jersey with the No. 40 and ROSEN emblazoned on it, signed by the entire team, along with a gold microphone commemorating his 40 years of service. Reflecting on his decision to retire, Rosen shared that a health scare last year made him contemplate ending his career. “Last May I had a little bit of an illness and I missed a couple of playoff games on the radio, and I think that hits you,” he explained. “That’s when I started to think about it seriously and talk about it with my family…”
🗣️ It’s a power play goal!
The #NYR have a message for Sam on his truly iconic career. pic.twitter.com/WFq4KsgWg7
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 22, 2025
Rosen hopes to end his career on a high note, similar to legendary New York Yankees radio voice John Sterling, as he looks forward to one last playoff run. “I look forward to every game now till the end of the season,” he mentioned before the ceremony. “I’m trying to drag this team into the playoffs with me…” At present, the Rangers hold 74 points, battling with the Montreal Canadiens for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with just 11 games remaining.
