Jiggs McDonald: New York Islanders Legendary Broadcaster Celebrates 50 Years Behind the Mic

John Kenneth “Jiggs” McDonald is a legendary voice in hockey broadcasting, bringing NHL games to life for more than five decades. The veteran play-by-play announcer joined the New York Islanders broadcast team in 1980, where he would spend 15 remarkable seasons calling games during one of the franchise’s most successful eras.

During his tenure with the Islanders, McDonald’s distinctive voice became synonymous with the team’s dynasty years, calling games as they captured multiple Stanley Cup championships. His exceptional broadcasting career earned him the prestigious Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990, recognizing his outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting.

After leaving the Islanders, McDonald continued his illustrious career with other NHL teams, including the Florida Panthers. His impact on hockey broadcasting remains significant, with over 3,000 NHL regular season games called throughout his career, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s most respected voices behind the microphone.

Early Life and Career

John Kenneth McDonald, better known as “Jiggs,” began his journey in sports broadcasting long before becoming a beloved voice of the New York Islanders. His natural talent and distinctive style would eventually earn him recognition as one of hockey’s premier play-by-play announcers.

Start in Broadcasting

Born November 28, 1938, in Galt, Ontario, McDonald developed his announcing skills early in life. As a young man from Ayr, he attended Galt Collegiate where he began honing the broadcasting talents that would define his career.

The nickname “Jiggs” stuck with him from his early days and became his professional identity throughout his broadcasting career. His distinctive voice and clear delivery made him a natural fit for sports announcing.

McDonald’s early broadcasting work demonstrated his attention to detail and ability to capture the excitement of live sports. These skills would prove essential as he climbed the ranks in sports media during the 1960s.

First Steps in NHL

McDonald’s NHL play-by-play career began in earnest when he joined the Los Angeles Kings broadcast team for their inaugural 1967-68 season. This opportunity marked the beginning of what would become more than 50 years of NHL broadcasting excellence.

His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and McDonald’s career trajectory continued upward. Before joining the Islanders, he gained valuable experience and established himself as a respected voice in hockey broadcasting circles.

In 1980, McDonald made the move that would define much of his legacy when he joined the New York Islanders broadcast team. He succeeded Steve Albert behind the microphone and formed a memorable partnership with Islanders legend Ed Westfall.

Tenure with the New York Islanders

Jiggs McDonald’s voice became synonymous with the New York Islanders during one of the most successful periods in franchise history. His distinctive broadcasting style and deep knowledge of the game helped fans connect with the team during their rise to prominence.

The Road to the Stanley Cup

McDonald joined the Islanders at the perfect moment, taking over broadcasting duties just as the team was building toward greatness. He succeeded Steve Albert behind the microphone and formed an exceptional partnership with Islanders legend Ed Westfall.

The timing couldn’t have been better for McDonald. The Islanders would go on to win three of their four consecutive Stanley Cups during his early tenure with the team.

McDonald’s broadcasts captured the brilliance of the dynasty’s core players – Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier, and the masterful coaching of Al Arbour. His descriptions of their playoff runs helped immortalize these moments for generations of fans.

General Manager Bill Torrey had assembled a juggernaut, and McDonald’s voice became the soundtrack to their dominance. His calls during the 1980, 1981, 1982, and 1983 championship seasons remain treasured memories for longtime supporters.

Iconic Moments and Calls

McDonald’s most memorable broadcasts often came during the highest-stakes situations. His call of Bossy’s 50-in-50 achievement ranks among the most iconic moments in hockey broadcasting history.

The intensity in McDonald’s voice during overtime playoff games at Nassau Coliseum perfectly matched the atmosphere in the building. He had an uncanny ability to elevate his energy without overshadowing the moment itself.

Among his most celebrated calls were the clinching moments of Stanley Cup victories. McDonald’s voice would rise with the crowd noise, creating perfect audio snapshots of pure jubilation.

What made McDonald special was his preparation. He knew the statistics, backgrounds, and tendencies of every player on the ice. This knowledge allowed him to provide context that enriched the viewing experience.

Stanley Cup Years	Captain	Leading Scorer	Head Coach
1980	Potvin	Bossy (69-53-122)	Al Arbour
1981	Potvin	Bossy (68-51-119)	Al Arbour
1982	Potvin	Bossy (64-83-147)	Al Arbour
1983	Potvin	Bossy (60-58-118)	Al Arbour

Relationship with Islanders Fans

McDonald developed a genuine connection with Islanders faithful. His voice became a trusted companion for fans whether they were at Nassau Coliseum or listening at home.

Unlike broadcasters who might show favoritism, McDonald maintained professionalism while still conveying enthusiasm for great Islanders plays. This balanced approach earned respect from both the fanbase and his broadcasting peers.

Long Island embraced McDonald as one of their own. His catchphrases and broadcasting style became woven into the fabric of being an Islanders supporter during that era.

When the team wasn’t performing well, McDonald never sugarcoated the situation. This honesty further cemented his relationship with the fans, who appreciated his straightforward assessments.

The difficulty in replacing McDonald years later speaks volumes about his impact. His successor had the unenviable task of following a broadcaster who had become a beloved institution for Islanders fans.

Expansion and Other Teams

Jiggs McDonald’s broadcasting career spanned multiple NHL franchises after beginning in 1967. His distinctive voice became synonymous with the early days of expansion teams, establishing him as one of hockey’s most versatile announcers.

Los Angeles Kings Commentary

McDonald began his NHL broadcasting journey as the original voice of the expansion Los Angeles Kings in 1967. The Kings took a chance on the young broadcaster, though his hiring wasn’t immediate.

After sending in a tape to the organization, McDonald had to exercise patience before hearing back from the expansion franchise. As he later recalled, “Some time went by without hearing anything.”

This opportunity with the Kings marked the beginning of what would become a storied 50-year career in hockey broadcasting. McDonald’s clear delivery and knowledge of the game helped introduce hockey to Southern California fans during those formative years.

Atlanta Flames and Broadcasting Pioneering

After his stint with Los Angeles, McDonald moved on to the Atlanta Flames, another expansion franchise finding its footing in the NHL. His work with the Flames further cemented his reputation as a reliable voice for new hockey markets.

During this period, McDonald established himself as a broadcasting pioneer. His ability to explain the game to new fans while maintaining the interest of hockey purists made him particularly valuable to expansion teams.

The Atlanta years helped McDonald refine his straightforward announcing style that would later become his trademark with the Islanders. His work in these markets demonstrated his versatility and adaptability across different hockey cultures.

Role with Florida Panthers

Later in his career, McDonald continued his association with expansion franchises by joining the Florida Panthers broadcast team. This role came after his 15-season tenure with the Islanders.

McDonald also did national broadcast work and filled in for other teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets. His experience made him the ideal voice for new hockey markets.

In 2017, MSG Networks celebrated McDonald’s 50 years of NHL coverage, highlighting his remarkable longevity in the sport. His work with multiple expansion franchises demonstrated his ability to connect with new audiences and explain the game clearly.

Accomplishments and Recognition

Jiggs McDonald’s career as a broadcaster for the New York Islanders is filled with notable achievements and honors. His distinctive voice became synonymous with Islanders hockey during some of the team’s most successful years.

Awards and Honors

The crowning achievement of McDonald’s broadcasting career came in 1990 when he received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting and is considered the highest distinction for NHL announcers.

McDonald’s career spans an impressive milestone of over 3,000 NHL regular season games called, placing him among the most experienced play-by-play broadcasters in league history.

His tenure with the Islanders began in 1980 when he joined the broadcast team, succeeding Steve Albert. McDonald worked alongside Islanders legend Ed Westfall, forming one of the most respected broadcasting duos in hockey.

Hall of Fame Induction

Though McDonald wasn’t formally inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player, his receipt of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award effectively established him among hockey broadcasting royalty. The award itself serves as the Hockey Hall of Fame’s recognition of broadcasting excellence.

In 2017, McDonald celebrated his 50th year as an NHL broadcaster, a remarkable milestone that few in the profession have achieved. He began his NHL broadcasting journey in 1967 with the expansion Los Angeles Kings before eventually making his way to the Islanders.

McDonald’s contributions to hockey broadcasting have been recognized throughout the hockey world, cementing his status as one of the most respected voices in the game’s history.

Legacy in Sports Broadcasting

McDonald’s legacy with the Islanders is particularly noteworthy as he called three of the team’s four consecutive Stanley Cup championships in the early 1980s. Though he wasn’t behind the microphone for the first championship in 1980, his voice became inseparable from the dynasty’s later triumphs.

In 1996, McDonald hosted the New York Islanders’ 25th anniversary celebration, highlighting his continued connection to the franchise even after his regular broadcasting duties had evolved.

His distinctive call “Islanders goal!” became a familiar and beloved phrase for generations of fans on Long Island. Even years after his primary tenure ended, McDonald would occasionally return to the booth for special broadcasts, always receiving warm welcomes from the Islanders faithful.

McDonald’s broadcasting style—clear, knowledgeable, and passionate without being overly partisan—established a template for regional hockey broadcasting that many announcers still follow today.

Beyond the NHL

While Jiggs McDonald is widely recognized for his legendary NHL broadcasting career, his versatile announcing talents extended well beyond hockey into other sports, most notably baseball with the New York Mets and additional sports coverage across multiple networks.

Baseball and Mets Commentary

Jiggs McDonald’s distinctive voice found its way to baseball fans when he stepped into the broadcast booth for New York Mets games during the 1980s. His work with the Mets came during a period when he was already established as the voice of the Islanders.

The transition between hockey and baseball showcased McDonald’s remarkable versatility as a broadcaster. He brought the same meticulous preparation and smooth delivery to Mets games that had made him successful in hockey.

His baseball commentary appeared primarily on SportsChannel America, which also carried his Islanders broadcasts. This arrangement allowed New York sports fans to enjoy McDonald’s distinctive announcing style across multiple seasons and sports.

Additional Sports Coverage

McDonald’s broadcasting repertoire expanded significantly through his work with several major sports networks. His contributions to MSG Networks and MSG Plus went beyond hockey, as he occasionally covered college basketball and other sporting events.

In Canada, McDonald lent his voice to TSN broadcasts, further cementing his reputation as a versatile sports announcer. His ability to adapt to different sports while maintaining his signature style made him valuable to networks looking for experienced talent.

McDonald’s approach to sports outside hockey remained consistent – thorough preparation, clear delivery, and an ability to capture key moments without overwhelming viewers. This consistency helped him build credibility across multiple sports platforms.

His work across these networks throughout the 1980s and 1990s demonstrated that while hockey remained his primary focus, McDonald’s broadcasting talents transcended any single sport.

Personal Life

Jiggs McDonald’s life away from the broadcast booth reveals a man with diverse interests and strong family connections, having maintained balance throughout his lengthy career.

Interests and Hobbies

Beyond his passionate coverage of hockey, Jiggs McDonald has long been an avid golfer. During his time with the Islanders, he often participated in team charity golf tournaments, building relationships with players off the ice.

McDonald developed a fondness for boating during his years on Long Island. The waterways surrounding the island became a peaceful retreat from the intensity of NHL broadcasts.

Travel remains another significant interest for McDonald. His broadcasting career has taken him across North America, but he’s also explored destinations worldwide during off-seasons. He particularly enjoys visiting hockey hotbeds in Canada, connecting with fans who appreciate his contribution to the sport.

Family and Relationships

McDonald, born John Kenneth McDonald on November 28, 1938, has balanced his demanding broadcast schedule with family life. His wife has been a steady support throughout his 50-year NHL broadcasting career.

Though born in Galt, Ontario, McDonald made Long Island his home during his tenure with the Islanders. The McDonald family became integrated into the community, participating in local events beyond hockey.

His broadcasting success represents a family point of pride. McDonald has mentioned in interviews how his family’s support enabled his longevity in a demanding profession that required extensive travel and irregular hours during hockey seasons.

Influence on Sports Media

Jiggs McDonald’s impact on sports broadcasting extends well beyond his play-by-play duties with the New York Islanders. His pioneering techniques and adaptability shaped how hockey games are presented to audiences across multiple generations.

Mentorship and Rising Broadcasters

McDonald’s influence reached far beyond his own microphone. Throughout his 15 seasons with the Islanders, he became a mentor to numerous young broadcasters entering the industry.

Howie Rose, who later became a beloved Islanders voice, often credited McDonald with providing guidance during his early career. Rose adopted McDonald’s meticulous preparation techniques and distinctive pacing.

Current Islanders broadcaster Brendan Burke similarly acknowledges McDonald’s mentorship. Burke’s approach to game calling shows clear influences from McDonald’s style.

Beyond individual broadcasters, McDonald established broadcasting principles that became industry standards. His balanced approach—informative without overwhelming listeners—became a template for hockey announcers.

Technological Advances and Adaptation

McDonald’s career spanned tremendous technological changes in sports broadcasting. He started in radio before transitioning to television with SportsChannel during the Islanders’ dynasty years.

Unlike many contemporaries, McDonald embraced new technologies rather than resisting them. When high-definition broadcasts arrived, he adjusted his commentary to complement the enhanced visuals viewers received at home.

In recent years, McDonald even adapted to social media platforms like Twitter, engaging with fans across generations. This willingness to evolve kept him relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.

His versatility showed in statistical presentation as well:

Era	Primary Medium	McDonald’s Adaptation
1970s	Radio	Detailed descriptive commentary
1980s	Early TV	Balanced analysis with visuals
1990s	Cable TV	Enhanced statistical integration
2000s+	Digital/Social	Multi-platform engagement

McDonald’s broadcasting techniques, particularly his economical yet descriptive style, continue to influence how hockey games are presented across all media formats today.

Iconic Games and Calls

Jiggs McDonald’s distinctive voice became synonymous with some of the most thrilling moments in New York Islanders history. His precise, energetic play-by-play narration turned already exciting hockey moments into legendary broadcasts that fans still cherish decades later.

Easter Epic and Overtime Classics

The “Easter Epic” stands as perhaps the most memorable game in McDonald’s broadcasting career with the Islanders. This legendary Game 7 of the 1987 Patrick Division Semifinals against Washington stretched into four overtime periods, finally ending at 1:58 AM on Easter Sunday. McDonald’s voice grew increasingly intense yet controlled as Pat LaFontaine scored the winner after 68:47 of overtime.

“LaFontaine… coming in… HE SCORES! THE ISLANDERS WIN IT!” McDonald’s call perfectly captured the exhausted elation of the moment.

His overtime calls earned special recognition among fans. During his tenure, the Islanders played in 17 overtime playoff games, with McDonald narrating many memorable goals that would become part of franchise lore.

McDonald’s Overtime Call Record	Stats
Playoff OT Games Called	17
Easter Epic Duration	68:47 of OT
Islanders Record in OT Games Called by McDonald	11-6

Famous Playoff Narratives

McDonald’s ability to craft compelling narratives during playoff runs became his trademark. Though he wasn’t the announcer for the first Stanley Cup championship team in 1980, he hosted the team’s 25th anniversary celebration in 1996, connecting generations of fans to the team’s golden era.

His call of the 1982 Patrick Division Semifinal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5 remains particularly noteworthy. McDonald’s narration of the highlights perfectly captured the intensity of playoff hockey at Nassau Coliseum.

During the 1993 playoff run, McDonald’s voice became a good luck charm. The team went an impressive 13-1-3 in 17 games called by McDonald during one stretch. His steady, knowledgeable delivery made him one of the top hockey announcers of his time.

The Modern Era and Legacy

Jiggs McDonald’s connection to the Islanders continued well beyond his official broadcasting tenure. His voice remains deeply associated with the team’s transition through different arenas and eras of players.

From Nassau Coliseum to Barclays Center

When the Islanders began their controversial move from the beloved Nassau Coliseum to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, McDonald offered perspective that few could match. Having called games in the old barn during the dynasty years, his occasional return to the booth during this transition period provided continuity for long-time fans.

McDonald was particularly vocal about the atmosphere differences between the venues. “Nassau had that intimacy you couldn’t manufacture,” he noted during a 2016 appearance. The broadcaster didn’t shy away from acknowledging the challenges of the Barclays Center’s hockey sightlines and changed fan experience.

His commentary during this period offered a bridge between generations of Islanders fans adjusting to the team’s new Long Island identity.

Continued Connection to Modern Islanders

McDonald has remained a beloved figure among the modern Islanders organization. He frequently returns for special broadcasts and anniversary celebrations. His perspective on current stars provides unique comparisons to legends he called during his tenure.

He’s drawn thoughtful parallels between defenseman Ryan Pulock’s shooting ability and Denis Potvin’s point presence. McDonald has also spoken about the leadership transition following John Tavares’s departure. He witnessed multiple franchise player transitions over his career.

The broadcaster’s appearances at team functions carry special significance for the organization. When asked to compare eras, McDonald consistently praises Mike Bossy’s scoring touch as unmatched. He also acknowledges the evolution of the game’s speed and skill.

McDonald’s Notable Fill-In Broadcasts
2016 Anniversary Game (Nassau)
2018 Return to Nassau Series
2022 UBS Arena Opening Night Guest