For four decades, Sam Rosen has been the voice of the New York Rangers. The longest active broadcaster in the NHL will hang up the mic after the 2024-25 season.

He made the announcement last Tuesday. Originally a studio host for pregame on MSG Network, Rosen took over play-by-play duties for mentor Jim Gordon in 1984.

A lifelong dream was fulfilled. Originally born in Germany to Polish parents as Sam Rosenblum, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York, when he was two years old. Growing up in New York City, he became a fan of the Rangers. Rosen frequently took the subway to games at the old Madison Square Garden on 49th and 50th Street at Eighth Avenue.

He attended Stuyvesant High School and City College of New York, where he was a catcher on the baseball teams.

Following a broadcasting stint at UPI Audio, Rosen joined MSG Networks in 1977. He served as the Rangers pregame studio host and part-time radio announcer in 1982. Two years later, he replaced the legendary Gordon on MSG.

Originally, Rosen teamed with Phil Esposito for two seasons. However, when Esposito moved upstairs to take over as the Rangers general manager, that opened the door for a new color commentator. Former Rangers goalie John Davidson replaced Esposito in the booth.

For two decades, Sam and JD became fixtures in living rooms. They were the voices of the Blueshirts. During the Rangers’ run to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, Rosen and Davidson were there every step of the way. That included the memorable Stanley Cup clinching Game 7 on June 14, 1994.

Following an icing, Rosen was on the call for the final faceoff that Craig MacTavish won from Pavel Bure to finally give the franchise its first Cup since 1940. His call is fondly remembered by fans.

“The waiting is over! The New York Rangers are the Stanley Cup champions! And this one will last a lifetime!”

Perhaps the best part was that Rosen got to call his favorite team, finally winning a championship to end a long drought. That had to be emotional.

After teaming with Davidson for 20 seasons, with 2005-06 being the last, Rosen got a new partner. Joe Micheletti took over upstairs. A veteran analyst who’d worked with Howie Rose on Islanders telecasts, he’s been with Rosen nearly as long. This fall will mark their 19th and final season together. Micheletti raved about working with Rosen.

“You’ve made all of those who work with you better people, and you’ve helped us all reach heights that would not have been achievable without your support,” Micheletti said in a statement. “You have included all of us on your crowded list of friends. For all these reasons and many more, your legacy will last a lifetime.”

In 2016, Rosen was the winner of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his contributions as a broadcaster. Entering 2024-25, he’s the longest-tenured active broadcaster in the NHL.

Now 77, Rosen indicated that he never thought about his age. However, it was when he turned 75 that he started to consider retirement. When he hangs up the mic, he can spend more time with his family, which includes four grandchildren. He’s hoping for the Rangers to go out on top. That would be the icing on the cake. 

With Rosen set to retire next year, Rangers’ play-by-play radio announcer Kenny Albert is the favorite to replace him. Albert has called games since 1995. He took over for Howie Rose. Albert is the voice of the NHL on TNT.

The Rangers begin the season on Oct. 9 against the Penguins.