As the New York Islanders advance to the 2023 National Hockey League Playoffs, fans across Long Island are gearing up to root for their favorite local team. While many fans will watch eagerly from their couches, one certain fan is taking charge to do what she loves while supporting the team she loves. Michelle Smith, a junior at Wantagh High School, is the Sports Editor of The Warrior, and she is certain that she wants to make that her career.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MSG reporting company had a shadowing program to allow high school students to experience sports broadcasting in real time with professionals, and some of those students went on to be interns. Some even got hired by MSG to officially report on the Islanders and other professional New York sports teams.
Regardless of the complete shut-down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith was determined to fulfill her passion for sports reporting and pave the way for her own success through perseverance. In the early months of 2023, Smith wrote a letter to Islanders’ sports reporter Shannon Hogan and explained her interest in the field and the shadowing program. Hogan responded quickly, and met with Smith to discuss possible outcomes. After months of conferencing and hard work, Smith was able to land a one-day shadowing opportunity behind Hogan, which took place on April 6, 2023.
After months of planning, Smith made her way to the UBS Arena in Elmont, the Islanders’ home rink. Hogan welcomed Smith to the official broadcasting set through the media entrance to the stadium, which is located near the VIP parking and lounges. Smith got to see and participate in all of the behind-the-scenes action, and even met one of her hockey-playing heroes: Butch Goring. Goring led the Islanders to four Stanley Cup wins in the eighties, and now gives live commentary on all of the games.
Not only was this experience amazing for Smith, but it was also great for the executive reporting staff of the MSG Islanders broadcasts. Smith recalls that the executive producer called her their “good luck charm,” and that everyone wanted to know when she would come back. What an amazing experience for an amazing Wantagh Warrior!