The Sunshine Skate is incredibly excited to announce our interview with Steve Goldstein (TV Play-by-Play announcer for the Florida Panthers). During our interview with Goldie, we discuss his experience with the Florida Panthers, covering the Olympics, and more.
Kris M.: What was your first experience with the sport of hockey and how did you come to fall in love with it?
Steve Goldstein: I was a huge sports fan growing up and a big fan of listening in to games on the radio. I grew up with Marv Albert calling Rangers games on the radio and Jim Gordon on TV (when some road games were televised). The energy at Madison Square Garden was always off the charts when my dad would take me to games. The Rangers/Islanders rivalry was so intense as well. With hockey as a sport, once you’ve experienced it, you’re hooked. That is still true today!
KM: You have called Panthers games as a play-by-play announcer for over 10 years now and have been with the team in a broadcast capacity since 1997. Personally, what has been the most memorable Panthers moment you have been a part of?
SG: I’ve been involved with so many great Panthers moments… The division winning season and Marcel Goc tying Game 7 vs New Jersey are two that really stand out.
KM: Do you have a favorite goal call that you’ve made?
SG: Last season’s 20-round shoutout win, calling games with Jaromir Jagr as a Panther, Huberdeau’s and Ekblad’s 1st NHL goals. There have been so many great moments, too many to name!
KM: You have also played a significant role in 4 Olympic broadcasts. What is your most memorable moment from those monumental games?
SG: The 2010 Gold Medal game in Vancouver was a huge highlight for me personally. The most memorable moments from those games would be Parise’s goal to tie the game and then Crosby winning it. Also, the U.S/Canada Women’s Gold game in Sochi was such a heartbreaking loss as well. Just being at the Olympics numerous times, seeing all the great players on ice together and the passion the players have playing for their countries. I was honestly very honored to be able to be a part of it.
KM: How was it to call the 2010 Gold Medal Game between USA and Canada? What was it like to be in a building with that kind of energy?
SG: The game in Vancouver was wild. I had to actually slow down and focus on calling the game. It was very difficult to not get swept up in the mania during overtime. It was really a tremendous honor to be there and announce that game.
KM: You present the “Legends of the Game” hits during game stoppages. What stokes your passion for the history of the game? Is there a particular player or event in the history of the game that captures your imagination?
SG: I think hockey has an awesome history and the game has really changed over the years. I love to tell old stores about players, legendary games and classic old teams. I guess I’m a bit of a nostalgic fan in that regard.
KM: After working with Bill Lindsay for a few years & developing a rhythm with him, this season has you reunited with Denis Potvin. What does it mean to broadcast games alongside a bona fide legend of the game like Denis Potvin?
SG: Working and getting to know Denis over the years has been great. He is a super guy and an incredibly smart guy obviously when it come to hockey but about other topics as well. We talk a lot and I like listening to what he has to say. It’s funny, because growing up a Rangers fan… Well, let’s just say I was not a Denis Potvin fan for the first 27 years of my life! Then I got to know him! I respect the man for his accomplishments as a player and as a person away from the ice.
KM: Personally, I’ve seen you receive more and more recognition as being one of the best play-by-play announcers in the NHL. Describe how your prepare for each game. What’s that process like?
SG: Prepping for the job is a 365-day-a-year job. The wheels are always turning for ways to improve personally and improve the telecast. I love the homework aspect of the job and love getting the stories that bring viewers inside the game. I’m one of those people that wakes up on the day of a game and can’t wait to get to work.
KM: You have your own charity, Goldie’s Gang. How did that start up? What does your charity support? How can people help?
SG: Goldie’s Gang is my small way of giving back. I try to help kids that aren’t as fortunate to have access to hockey tickets and contribute to any child’s endeavor whether through sports or education.
Editor’s Note: To learn more about Goldie’s Gang, please visit http://www.goldiesgang.com
KM: Here is a guest question from our friends over at @NHLTies:
Have you ever thought about messing up Denis’ tie just before going on air to try and get a @NHLTies win? Do you have a favorite or lucky tie? What’s your preferred knot?
SG: Haha I only know how to do my ties one way. So that’s how I go. Yes, if an on air partner has a “tie issue”, I try to help out! I know there are many people taking note!!
KM: Final Question: You’re allowed to create a dream team of your all-time favorite NHL players. Who would be your perfect team of 3 Forwards, 2 Defenseman, and 1 Goalie?
SG: My all-time team would have Howe, Gretzky, and Mario up front, Orr and Potvin on defense and Patrick Roy in net. Even with me coaching we’d win a few cups!
Thank you for your time, Goldie. We sincerely appreciate it.
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Questions were compiled by “The Sunshine Skate” staff. All Questions/Answers are edited only for formatting.
Kris M. can be reached for contact on Twitter or via email at thesunshineskate@gmail.com.
