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Sean McDonough reflects on challenges as ESPN's lead NHL voice

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 5, 2026, 5:45 PM

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

Sean McDonough reflects on challenges as ESPN's lead NHL voice

Summary

Sean McDonough discussed his journey as ESPN’s lead NHL voice since the network reacquired NHL rights in 2021. In a recent podcast interview, he shared that he initially felt inadequate as a broadcaster, adjusting to the faster-paced game after years away from live hockey broadcasts. McDonough, named the 2025 National Sportscaster of the Year, credited his early struggles to the difficulty of storytelling in a quick-moving sport. He noted that play-by-play rhythm is key, and he found it challenging due to limited regular-season game opportunities. Despite this, his recent calls during the Stanley Cup Final have been received positively.

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By the Numbers

•McDonough felt inadequate in his early NHL broadcasts.
•He aims to tell stories effectively within hockey's fast pace.
•Limited regular-season games challenge his rhythm and performance.
•He was named the 2025 National Sportscaster of the Year.
•His recent calls have garnered praise during the Stanley Cup Final.

Latest Updates

5:45 PMYahoo Sports — Sean McDonough reveals he felt ‘inadequate’ during early days as ESPN’s lead NHL voice

What they're saying

"
Sean McDonough has delivered some of the best calls of this Stanley Cup Final, was named the 2025 National Sportscaster of the Year, and had Joe Buck calling him one of the two best play-by-play voices in any sport just a year ago. He’ll be the first to tell you it wasn’t always this comfortable.…
— Yahoo Sports

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