Josh Getzoff – Pittsburgh Penguins Announcer Celebrates 10 Years with the Team
Josh Getzoff has become a familiar voice for hockey fans in the Steel City. As the lead radio host on the Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network, he anchors pre and postgame coverage throughout the season, bringing the excitement of Penguins hockey to listeners across Pennsylvania.
In 2021, Getzoff stepped into enormous shoes when he replaced the Penguins’ iconic radio voice. His legendary predecessor gave him an hourglass—a simple egg timer—as a symbolic passing of the torch.
His work hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Penguins faithful. Fans have expressed their appreciation for Getzoff’s enthusiastic play-by-play style, particularly noting how animated he becomes when the Pens score.
Recently, Getzoff’s role has evolved within the organization, as he and Steve Mears switched positions between radio and TV broadcasts, further cementing his place in the team’s media landscape.
Contents
Biography
Josh Getzoff has established himself as a prominent voice in hockey broadcasting through his journey from early aspirations to becoming the play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins. His career path demonstrates both persistence and passion for sports broadcasting.
Early Life
Josh Getzoff developed his love for sports broadcasting at an early age. Growing up with a passion for hockey, he would often practice commentary while watching games on television. His natural talent for narration and deep understanding of the sport became evident even in his youth.
Friends and family recall Getzoff’s early attempts at play-by-play, using a hairbrush as a microphone while watching hockey games in his living room. This childhood passion wasn’t just a phase—it was the foundation for what would become his professional calling.
The young enthusiast spent hours studying the techniques of legendary broadcasters, taking note of their cadence, vocabulary, and ability to capture dramatic moments on ice.
Education
Getzoff pursued his broadcasting dreams through formal education, attending Syracuse University’s prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. At Syracuse, he majored in Broadcast Journalism, setting the foundation for his future career.
During his college years, he gained valuable experience working with the university’s radio station, WAER, where he covered Syracuse Orange sports. This hands-on experience proved invaluable for developing his distinctive broadcasting style.
His academic journey also included internships with several sports networks, providing practical experience in the competitive field of sports media. At Syracuse, he was exposed to the strong broadcasting tradition that has produced numerous successful sports commentators.
| Education | Institution | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Syracuse University | Broadcast Journalism |
| College Radio | WAER | Sports Broadcasting |
Career Beginnings
After graduation, Getzoff began paying his dues in the broadcasting world. He worked for CBS Radio in various capacities, gaining experience and building his professional reputation. His early career included covering college sports, particularly ACC basketball and football games.
The aspiring broadcaster spent time in California, working with local sports stations to refine his craft. These formative years helped him develop the confident, knowledgeable style that would later become his trademark with the Penguins.
His big break came in 2015 when he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins organization as a broadcaster. Initially serving in various broadcasting roles, he proved his talent and dedication to the organization.
Getzoff’s early work with the Penguins demonstrated his deep knowledge of hockey and natural ability to connect with listeners, setting the stage for his eventual promotion to the team’s lead radio voice.
Professional Career
Josh Getzoff has built an impressive broadcasting career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, showcasing his talent for play-by-play and connecting with fans. His journey from radio to television has made him a beloved voice in Pittsburgh hockey.
Rise to Fame with the Penguins
Getzoff joined the Penguins organization after pursuing his dream to work in the NHL. According to his background, he couldn’t resist applying when the Penguins posted a job opening. His early work involved both TV and radio capacities as a full-time on-air host.
Getzoff’s big break came when he was named the play-by-play announcer for the Penguins for the 2023-24 season on SportsNet Pittsburgh. This promotion came after years of proving himself on radio broadcasts, where he worked alongside former Penguin Phil Bourque.
His broadcasting style differs from predecessors like Steve Mears and Paul Steigerwald, bringing fresh energy to Penguins broadcasts. Getzoff’s chemistry with the broadcast team, including veteran reporter Dan Potash, has been seamless.
Notable Career Moments
Getzoff’s enthusiastic goal calls have become his trademark. Fans have expressed appreciation for “how hyped he gets when the Pens score,” making him an instant fan favorite in his television role.
His broadcasting journey includes what he calls the “storied egg timer” incident, a behind-the-scenes moment that has become part of his personal lore as mentioned in his career retrospective video.
Getzoff’s social media presence has grown alongside his career. He maintains an active Instagram account with over 3,900 followers where he shares professional highlights and personal moments from his broadcasting journey.
His career highlights include calling several Sidney Crosby milestones and navigating the broadcasting challenges during the pandemic season—showcasing his adaptability and professional growth.
Affiliations and Contributions
Josh Getzoff has built a diverse broadcasting portfolio beyond his primary role with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His expertise spans multiple networks and positions, showcasing his versatility and talent in sports broadcasting.
AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
Josh Getzoff joined SportsNet Pittsburgh (formerly AT&T SportsNet) as the play-by-play announcer for the Penguins for the 2023-24 season. This move represented a significant career advancement following his years on radio.
Before taking on the television play-by-play role, Getzoff had already established himself as the radio voice of the Penguins. He stepped into the full-time radio play-by-play position at the start of the 2021-22 season after legendary announcer Mike Lange retired.
His transition to television broadcasts showcased the network’s confidence in his abilities. The move also demonstrated Getzoff’s adaptability, shifting from radio’s descriptive requirements to television’s more complementary commentary style.
Studio Host Roles
Before becoming the primary play-by-play announcer, Getzoff served in various studio capacities with the Penguins organization. His journey began when he secured his dream job in 2015 as a broadcaster for the team.
As a studio host, Getzoff handled pre-game and post-game shows, providing analysis and interviewing players and coaches. His preparation and hockey knowledge quickly stood out among peers.
The self-proclaimed “hockey nerd” occasionally filled in for Mike Lange during this period, gaining valuable experience that would eventually lead to his permanent role. His studio work demonstrated his versatility beyond game calling.
Getzoff’s interpersonal skills and depth of hockey knowledge made him particularly effective in the studio environment. These qualities allowed him to extract meaningful insights from players and coaches during interviews.
NBC Sports and Golf Channel
Getzoff has expanded his broadcasting portfolio by contributing to national outlets including NBC Sports. This work has allowed him to reach audiences beyond the Pittsburgh market.
His association with NBC has included various hockey assignments, leveraging his expertise from years covering the Penguins. These national appearances have raised his profile in the broader sports broadcasting community.
The versatile broadcaster has also contributed to Golf Channel productions, demonstrating his adaptability across different sports. This cross-sport experience has enhanced his broadcasting toolkit.
As an award-winning sportscaster, Getzoff brings his distinctive delivery and preparation to each assignment regardless of network. His work across multiple platforms has established him as more than just a hockey specialist.
The Penguins’ Broadcast Team
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ broadcast team features talented professionals who bring the excitement of hockey to fans through various media channels. Josh Getzoff has become an integral part of this respected crew over the years, working alongside experienced colleagues in both radio and television.
Roles and Responsibilities
Josh Getzoff has held multiple positions within the Penguins’ broadcast structure. He initially served as an intermission and postgame host during the 2018-19 season on AT&T SportsNet. His role evolved over time as he gained experience within the organization.
During the 2017-18 season, Getzoff began handling select away games on radio while veteran Mike Lange covered home games. This arrangement allowed Getzoff to develop his play-by-play skills while learning from one of hockey’s legendary voices.
In a significant career shift, Getzoff later moved from radio to television when he and Steve Mears switched roles. Getzoff began serving as the play-by-play commentator for SportsNet Pittsburgh telecasts, while Mears took over radio duties.
Working Alongside Co-Commentators
Getzoff has collaborated with several respected hockey analysts throughout his tenure with the Penguins. Most notably, he worked with Phil Bourque during his radio broadcasting days, forming a dynamic partnership that resonated with listeners.
His broadcasting style complements his co-commentators well, creating seamless transitions between play-by-play calls and expert analysis. On social media, Getzoff identifies himself as a “Media Personality” for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Unlike some regional sports networks that cover multiple professional teams, SportsNet Pittsburgh maintains dedicated broadcast teams for each major sport. This specialization allows Getzoff to focus exclusively on hockey rather than juggling multiple sports like the PGA Tour or other professional leagues.
When covering games against rivals like the New York Islanders, Getzoff and his broadcast partners provide insightful commentary that balances team loyalty with professional objectivity.
Personal Life
Josh Getzoff balances his broadcasting career with a rich family life and varied interests that keep him connected to the world of sports beyond the hockey rink.
Interests Outside Broadcasting
When he’s not calling Pittsburgh Penguins games, Getzoff enjoys spending quality time with his family. He and his wife Maddie welcomed a child in recent years, marking an important chapter in his personal life. The couple took time to bond with their child, with Getzoff briefly stepping away from his broadcasting duties.
Getzoff has shown a passion for community involvement through his work with the Penguins Foundation. He helped launch “Gamechangers,” a special initiative for select home games at PPG Paints Arena.
An avid sports enthusiast beyond hockey, Getzoff follows golf closely. His interest in the PGA Tour complements his broadcasting background, and he occasionally references golf in his social media presence. Like many sports broadcasters, he keeps tabs on major sporting events, including the Winter Olympics.
Charitable Activities
Getzoff has established himself as a community leader through several notable initiatives. Together with his wife, he created the “Gamechangers” program, which launched during a recent hockey season. This program operates with support from the Penguins Foundation and aims to make lasting impacts in the Pittsburgh area.
One of his most visible charitable efforts is the “Fan of the Game” program at UPMC Children’s Hospital. This heartwarming initiative allows Getzoff to interview young patients, bringing joy to children facing medical challenges while raising awareness for pediatric healthcare needs.
In June 2024, Getzoff participated in a community event alongside color commentator Phil Bourque and team mascot Iceburgh. The trio spent the morning sharing stories and supporting local causes, demonstrating their commitment to community outreach.
Mentorship and Development
Getzoff demonstrates a passion for developing the next generation of hockey enthusiasts and broadcasters. His involvement with USA Hockey events in Pittsburgh highlights his commitment to growing the sport from the grassroots level.
When the USA Hockey Hall of Fame inductions came to Pittsburgh, Getzoff was actively involved in the celebrations. He particularly acknowledged former Penguins Kevin Stevens and Matt Cullen during these special events, helping bridge the connection between past players and current fans.
His approach to mentorship mirrors his broadcasting philosophy. Getzoff has expressed that calling Penguins games is a “get to” job, a perspective he attributes to broadcaster Ernie Johnson. This gratitude-centered mindset influences how he approaches his professional role and his community engagement efforts.
Online Presence
Josh Getzoff maintains an active digital footprint across various platforms that keeps fans connected to Penguins hockey both during and after broadcasts. His social media accounts offer behind-the-scenes perspectives and professional updates.
Social Media Engagement
Getzoff has established a strong presence on multiple social platforms. On Twitter, he engages with fans under the handle @JG_PxP, sharing Penguins updates and hockey insights. His bio identifies him as the “Play-by-Play voice of the Pittsburgh @penguins on @SNPittsburgh.”
His Instagram account (@jgpuck) features photos from special events, including USA Hockey Hall of Fame inductions that featured Penguins legends Kevin Stevens and Matt Cullen.
Getzoff also maintains professional profiles on LinkedIn, where he’s described as an “Award-winning sportscaster currently working for the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins.”
For audio content, Getzoff uses SoundCloud to share clips from his radio work. He previously served as lead radio host on the Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network before transitioning to television on SportsNet Pittsburgh in the 2023-24 season.
Awards and Recognitions
Josh Getzoff’s rise in hockey broadcasting has been steady and impressive. The Ithaca College graduate has garnered respect throughout the industry since joining the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
When legendary broadcaster Mike Lange began reducing his travel schedule, the Penguins organization chose Getzoff as his fill-in for road games. This vote of confidence came when Getzoff was just 29 years old, showing their faith in his abilities.
In 2021, Getzoff received perhaps his most meaningful professional acknowledgment when he replaced Lange as the Penguins’ full-time radio voice. Lange himself symbolically passed the torch by presenting Getzoff with an hourglass—a thoughtful gesture from the Hall of Fame broadcaster.
The Pittsburgh media community has embraced Getzoff’s work, with his clear delivery and hockey knowledge earning positive reviews from critics and fans alike.
Professional Timeline:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Joined Penguins organization |
| 2019 | Began filling in for Mike Lange on road games |
| 2021 | Named full-time Penguins radio play-by-play broadcaster |
| 2023 | Transitioned to TV broadcasts for SportsNet Pittsburgh |
Getzoff’s social media presence has also grown his profile. His Twitter account @JG_PxP has become a respected source for Penguins updates and commentary.
