EAST MEADOW, NY — In 2011, Alan Fuehring called his first professional hockey play-by-play game for the ECHL’s Peoria Rivermen. Now, 14 years later, he’s been named the new radio voice of the New York Islanders.
For Fuehring, this is a tremendous achievement—10 years in the making with the franchise. He joined the organization as Director of Broadcasting for the then-Bridgeport Sound Tigers ahead of the 2016-17 season.
“It’s an incredible honor to join the New York Islanders for this new era, and I look forward to bringing my own perspective to the booth, which will include some new ideas that directly make Isles fans part of the broadcasts,” Fuehring told The Elmonters. “It has been a lifelong goal to be an NHL broadcaster, and more importantly, to work for one of the NHL’s most iconic franchises.”
Because of Fuehring’s background with Bridgeport, he knows the roots of this organization better than anyone. That’s why there’s no better person to help usher in this new era of Islanders hockey.
This is also a full-circle moment for the Islanders’ media family. MSG Networks’ Brendan Burke once had Fuehring as an intern during his time with the Rivermen.
Fuehring interning for Burke in Peoria
“I’m thrilled for Alan. He has worked extremely hard to get here,” Burke told The Elmonters. “His work ethic is what separated him from the rest when he was in college, and it’s the reason he is where he is today. I’m just happy I’ve been around to watch his journey.”
A Player’s Perspective
When I asked Islanders forward and former Bridgeport forward Kyle MacLean (2021-2024) about Fuehring, he was grinning ear to ear.
“If you’re not playing on the team, or you’re not around, you don’t really notice, or probably don’t appreciate all the things Alan does. But as a player, a guy like that, what he did for us… he’s an unsung\ hero,” MacLean told The Elmonters. “He set up everything. He was the guy to call if you had an issue. So it’s great to see him get rewarded. I think he’s tremendous on the air. I know my family, and everyone who watches games loves him. So, I was so happy to see the news.”
Fuehring with Bridgeport Islanders AHL All-Star Brian Pinho in 2025
For many young players living in a new place for the first time, Fuehring was like a big brother.
“In the locker room, it’s certainly a family and he’s part of it,” MacLean said. “Like I said, he was one of the first guys you called for anything. You got an appointment, whatever it is, he was the guy to talk to. He really helped me out a lot, and I know he helped a lot of guys out in Bridgeport with all that stuff throughout the years.”
Bridgeport forward Chris Terry (2021-2023, 2024-25) also spoke highly of Fuehring.
“Alan’s an incredible human being,” Terry told The Elmonters. “He’s become a really good friend. Obviously, I don’t get to hear his play-by-plays, but I’ve been lucky, and it’s been a pleasure to really work every day with him. My wife, my parents, they love listening to him being the voice of the Bridgeport Islanders.
“And he’s just an incredible, incredible person to work with. He’s caring, he makes sure everyone’s taken care of, and he’s just a great personality. He’s a lot of fun to be around. And honestly, I couldn’t be happier that he’s moving up, and it’s really special for him.”
Since Matthew Maggio joined the Islanders organization at the tail end of the 2022-23 season, all he has known is Fuehring.
“Alan was the motor behind our team,” Maggio told The Elmonters. “Everything ran through him, and he could take on any task and deliver on it. On top of that, he’s an awesome person and someone you root for.”
Wearing Many Hats In Bridgeport
In minor hockey, the broadcaster is also responsible for public relations and media availability. They wear every hat possible. While fans may not see all the work that goes on behind the scenes, the players certainly do.
Terry commended the many roles Fuehring played in Bridgeport.
“I don’t know what exactly his title was but he does a lot,” Terry said. “Obviously, the day-to-day travel, bus times, meals—he’s juggling a lot, while still trying to provide interviews to give an in-depth look at players and allow their personalities to come out. So balancing all that is quite a feat, and that’s why I think he’s really deserving of this. Honestly, the reason why I’m really happy for him is because he’s grinded, he’s worked hard. It’s a special opportunity for him.”
A Personal Note
You heard it from the players. You heard it from his former boss and now friend.
For me, my friendship with Fuehring has meant everything. As a young kid trying to make it in this industry, I spoke to as many people as possible to learn as much as possible. Alan was one of those people who, early on, took the time to talk to me despite his hectic schedule.
Knowing Fuehring for the last three years, I’ve seen the work up close. I’ve seen him hop on a flight from Bridgeport to Anaheim to fill in at the last second for Brendan. I’ve seen the dedication, the willingness, and as someone in the industry, I understand the sacrifices that go into doing his job at the elite level he does it.
I’m glad to be able to call him a friend, and I know he’s going to do just an amazing job in this new role.
The Importance Of The Fuehring Hire
When I spoke to Islanders operating partner John Collins at Mathieu Darche’s introductory press conference, he talked about a succession plan. Collins made it clear—whether it was with the general manager, the coaching staff, or the players—having internal options to fill positions is always the goal.
The Islanders have that depth with their broadcasting crew. With Burke on TV and Fuehring on the radio, the Islanders’ 1-2 punch is top-notch—and one of the youngest in the NHL.
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