By Vasantha
The New York Rangers' era ends this season. Not because of players, coaches, or executives, but their iconic announcer.
Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster Sam Rosen revealed last month that he would retire as the Blueshirts' play-by-play announcer this season.
From 1984, the 77-year-old has been the Rangers' voice, becoming synonymous with the franchise.
Rosen wanted to go before it was too late, even if he's still healthy.
“You kind of reach a point where you look at it, and this is probably the best time for everyone concerned,” Rosen told Daily Faceoff. “For myself, my family, MSG Network, and the Rangers...The ride was great.
"My heart wants to do this forever, but my head says I can't." It boils down to that.
Never wait for others to say, “I remember when Sam was much better” or “His game has fallen off a little bit.”
Rosen has seen Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Henrik Lundqvist wear Rangers jerseys. He called the 1994 Stanley Cup Final, when New York broke its 54-year drought.