OTTAWA, Ontario — Howie Rose said goodbye to the Islanders a decade ago, but it’s a credit to the impact he had calling their games on MSG that there were still plenty of kind words to say about him Thursday.
Rose, 72, announced Thursday morning that he would retire from calling Mets games on the radio.
He has been part of Mets broadcasts since 1987, first on TV and on the radio since 2004.
He juggled the Mets and Islanders for over a decade as the latter’s TV voice from 1995-2016, and was the lead announcer for the Rangers before moving to the Islanders.
“He was the man on the call when I came into the group,” Anders Lee said. “He called a lot of my early games of my career, so I have some fond memories of him on the broadcast. He’s clearly had such a phenomenal tenure with the Mets and spent some great time with us.
“Now that he’s retired, I wish him the best in his next endeavor, I’m sure he can have a nice full summer and relax with his family. But just an absolute staple to our organization and many years of great calls.”
Lee is just one of two current players who were with the Islanders for the full 2015-16 season, when Rose last held the job, along with Casey Cizikas.
Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield all played games for the Islanders that season, but none of the three played more than 15 contests.
Brendan Burke, who took over the play-by-play job, has become a staple on Islanders broadcasts and is beloved by the fan base.
Still, there’s plenty of good memories of Rose.
“It’s just the passion that he had. That’s the biggest thing I can say,” Cizikas said. “The passion that he had for the organization, for the fans, it’s something special. The career he has is incredible. We wish him nothing but the best in retirement and something he deserves.”
Matthew Schaefer did not take morning skate as he was feeling under the weather.
Schaefer, however, did play against the Senators, scoring another goal in a 3-2 loss.
Ilya Sorokin started in net for the Islanders, finishing with 23 saves.
Cole Eiserman joined the Bridgeport Islanders for practice, having signed his ELC on Wednesday. Eiserman is expected to play for Bridgeport this weekend.
Max Shabanov (lower body) continued to skate with the Islanders Thursday morning.
