Legendary Rangers broadcaster Al Trautwig dies at 68
One of the classiest gentlemen to ever speak into a microphone has passed away.
On Monday, ESPN Radio host Alan Hahn revealed on X that his colleague and former New York Rangers broadcaster Al Trautwig had died at the age of 68.
I’m sad to share the news that we lost a legendary voice in sports. But we lost a lot more than that.
He was not only a friend, but a mentor and a teacher. He was, personally, one of my biggest resources of support when I moved into this career.
Rest in peace, @AlTrautwig. 💔 pic.twitter.com/E1z3pxS2gm
Trautwig reportedly died after undergoing treatments for an undisclosed form of cancer.
The Long Island native was a fixture on the hockey scene for several decades. Briefly serving as a stick boy in the early days of the New York Islanders, Trautwig stepped into the national spotlight when he hosted USA Network’s coverage of the NHL during the ’80s. He also served as a host for the NHL on Versus for a few seasons.
Trautwig began working for MSG Networks in 1989, covering the Rangers up until 2021, when MSG opted not to renew his contract. He was covering the team when it last won the Stanley Cup in 1994.
On top of following the Rangers, Trautwig also covered the MLB’s New York Yankees and NBA’s New York Knicks.
His career was far from being limited to the Big Apple. Trautwig was part of the broadcast team at 16 Olympics, working for NBC, ABC and CBS, including serving as the lead play-by-play broadcaster for gymnastics events for NBC from 2000 to 2016.
Trautwig’s calming voice made viewers feel welcome while watching events. He had a sly wit to him that would poke your funny bone while having an awareness to understand the magnitude of big-time games.
Trautwig won national Emmy Awards, 28 New York Emmys and a New York Sportscaster of the Year Award.