Shannon Hogan reflects on memorable moments with her NY Islanders broadcast family

MSG Networks host Shannon Hogan has been part of the New York Islanders family since the 2014-15 season, the first last season at the Nassau Coliseum. Over the last decade, her family has grown, as have the families of the NHL team she covers and the broadcast team she loves spending time with, even away from the rink. She's been able to see the players' lives progress as they've gotten married and started families of their own, making an already special job feel even more special.

"I have the best job in the world. We really are like a family."

"I hope that I'm able to bring some entertainment and also insight out of them [the players] in intermissions, and pre-game and post-game. That's always my goal," said Hogan earlier this week on the Double Chili Podcast with Peter Schwartz. During the interview, Hogan shared memories and perspectives on some of her favorite players to interview and her beloved broadcast team.

"Johnny Boychuk is one of those players that always made me laugh," recalled Hogan. "He's still involved with the organization and I love seeing him, seeing his smile and passion. "It's great that he's still around and has the opportunity to be part of the sport that he loves so much."

While there's an appreciation for the lighthearted nature of Boychuk and others during certain points of the season, Hogan also acknowledged that there are times when making yourself available to the media is more difficult, with the burden often falling on the Isles captain.

"Anders Lee is always such a professional. To have to stand and talk to the media every single day, win or lose, is really, really hard," said Hogan. "It's draining; they're going through so much on the ice, and to have to go out there and represent the franchise night in and night out is something that takes a really special person, and I think he's done it exceptionally well."

As for the broadcast team, Hogan knows she is part of one of the best in the business and spoke extensively about those behind the camera that make the broadcasts unique and entertaining. As for those behind the mic, she recalled the generosity of Butch Goring during her early seasons and how she helped convince Thomas Hickey to join "the dark side" after his PTO with the New Jersey Devils. As for Brendan Burke, she may be biased, but she believes he is among the best, if not the very best, play-by-play voice in the league, amongst Kenny Albert and a handful of others.

"The way that Brendan calls the game and the way he has grown into this role that he personifies as the Islanders play-by-play announcer has been so joyous for me to watch."

Shannon will be receiving the 2024 David Gross Advocacy Award at the Brooklyn Memorial Cup for Alzheimer's softball game on July 27th. Hogan's grandfather suffered from Alzheimer's before his passing 24 years ago and has been a vocal advocate for the cause ever since. It's the sixth consecutive summer the Memorial Cup has been held as it continues its mission of raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research. There will be sports memorabilia raffle prizes for those attending the game held at Kingsborough Community College. To make a donation or learn more about the cause, visit the event's page.