Inside the Press Box: Kenny Albert

Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find a link to the series archives on the right sidebar. Today's 23rd installment: New York Rangers radio play-by-play voice (and one-time TV voice of the Caps) Kenny Albert.

1. How has your role as radio play-by-play man changed since you joined the Rangers?

Not much has changed as far as my role. However, technology has certainly changed the preparation aspect for a play-by-play broadcaster. When I began with the Rangers in 1995, the Internet was in its early stages. Reading articles about out-of-town teams was almost unheard of unless you were actually in their city and could purchase the newspaper.

Most research prior to the day of the game was done by reading weekly publications such as The Hockey News. Game notes and statistics were not accessible until you arrived at the arena. Back then, I would study rosters of opposing teams on paper. Now, I can watch any game in the league on Direct TV to "scout" teams.

2. How would you categorize the differences between working in New York and working in the D.C. area?

I have nothing but fond memories of the five years I spent in the Maryland/D.C. area -- two years as radio voice of the Baltimore Skipjacks (1990-92), then three years as TV voice of the Capitals (1992-95). There are not many differences as far as what goes into calling hockey play-by-play in each city.

However, there are nine professional teams in New York/New Jersey, while Washington had three when I worked there (pre-Nationals). Hockey often has to fight for coverage in New York, depending on what is going on with the football, baseball and basketball teams. There are six daily newspapers in the NY/NJ market, as opposed to two in Washington. So, the volume of media members at a given event is higher in the New York area.

3. How does doing hockey play-by-play compare to announcing other sports?

I have had the great fortune to work games in all four major sports leagues. To me personally, hockey on the radio is the easiest to call for a play-by-play announcer for a number of reasons. It's like riding a bike. I have done more hockey games than any of the other sports, so it comes naturally. The action is continuous; a much different pace than baseball and football. You must describe the play, yet also be able to include your analyst and intersperse "nuggets" of information at the opportune moments.

4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?

As far as games I have broadcast, there are probably too many for me to name. Calling Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals on NHL Radio in both 1994 and 1995. Calling men's and women's hockey at the Olympics for NBC in 2002 and 2006. Having the opportunity to watch Wayne Gretzky on a daily basis during his three seasons with the Rangers. I treasure the two seasons I spent with the Baltimore Skipjacks... it was such a great learning experience for a young broadcaster.

5. What occupies your time when you're not working?

When I am not working, I am still trying to keep up with everything that is going on in the world of sports. I have four newspapers delivered to my house every day, as well as numerous weekly publications. I spend countless hours on the Internet.

I try to spend as much time with my family as possible. When I am not on the road, I drive my kids to school every day, and pick them up whenever I can. I miss many of their weekend activities, but try to do as much as possible with them when I am home. My wife and I actually went to two movies last week!