Tonight the New York Islanders are saluting legendary NHL broadcaster Jiggs McDonald, who called play-by-play during their dynasty years and well beyond, as he steps into their broadcast booth to handle those duties for perhaps the last time.
Since his return to the Isles booth in 2006 -- at the invitation of Howie Rose — McDonald has filled in with spot duty and guest appearances in most seasons, particularly when Howie Rose was on a break or handling baseball. But this season he has indicated those days are likely over.
For most Islanders fans old enough to experience his heyday, each reappearance was a welcome delight, the sounds of his voice an evocative reminder of the franchise’s best moments and the thrill of those times.