Inside the Press Box: Randy Moller

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 24th installment: Florida Panthers radio play-by-play voice (and vice president, broadcasting and Panthers alumni) Randy Moller.

1. Describe the balancing act between your role in the Panthers' front office and as the team's radio voice.

As an executive with the hockey club, I oversee the broadcasting department, which means I am the liaison between our TV rights holder, Fox Sports Florida, and our radio rights holder, 790 The Ticket, and other affiliates. Contracts, promotions, visiting teams' broadcasts, etc. My schedule is usually busier in the off-season getting ready. Also, I sit in on all executive meetings pertaining to the business side of the sport.

2. What are some of the strangest suggestions you've gotten from fans for goal calls?

Some strange requests people wanted me to do after a Panther goal: call out their dead pets, uncle, and even their mother! Also, recite the Dow Jones number for that day -- silly stuff, all in good fun. I stay away from any controversial subjects like race, sex, politics, and religion.

3. How do you think the strength of the Southeast Division's teams compares to its reputation around the league as one of the so-called weaker divisions?

I don't think any knowledgeable fan or media member thinks of the Southeast Division as a weak sister anymore. Our division has five of the top 10 players in the league playing in it. When the Panthers ended up with 93 points last season, and didn't qualify for the playoffs, you know the division is very competitive.

4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories (both from your playing and broadcasting career)?

I enjoyed playing throughout my 13-year career: playing with the Statsnys, Dale Hunter, Michel Goulet with the Nordiques; Messier, Richter, Beezer, Mike Gartner, Brian Leetch with the Rangers; and LaFontaine, Mogilny, Howerchuck, Bodger, Hasek in Buffalo; and even my only year here in Florida for the Panthers.

Although I don't miss playing anymore, I enjoy broadcasting, especially the radio play-by-play. I just hope the Panthers qualify for the playoffs before I retire! Ha!

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

I'm very blessed to have a job that I love, work full time and a family that is very understanding. With 8am-6pm office job, travel with the team on the road, weekend speaking engagements, I don't have too much spare time for much else. I sneak in a game of golf, and barbecue once on the weekend, that's about all.

We pride ourselves as the hardest working NHL team (on and off the ice), so there is not much "down time." I wouldn't want it any other way.